By NaijaonpointReporters
The National President of the Niger Delta Progressive Youth Forum, Mr. Ebitimi Frank, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately investigate the alleged ₦2.7 trillion annual expenditure on pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta.
Frank made the call while addressing journalists in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he said the alleged figure raises serious questions about the cost, structure and effectiveness of pipeline surveillance operations in the region.
According to him, if the alleged ₦2.7 trillion annual figure is accurate, Nigerians deserve to know the details of the contract, the scope of work, the beneficiaries, payment structure and the measurable results being delivered.
He particularly questioned what he described as the apparent disconnect between the alleged size of the expenditure and the visibility of pipeline surveillance operations across the Niger Delta.
«“The alleged ₦2.7 trillion is a huge amount of public money. The question Nigerians are asking is: where is the money going, and what exactly is the government paying for?”»
Frank said an independent investigation should establish whether the alleged figure represents a single contract, multiple contracts, payments to contractors and subcontractors, or an aggregation of different pipeline surveillance arrangements.
He stressed that his call was not an accusation of wrongdoing against any individual or company but a demand for transparency and accountability.
«“We are not accusing anybody of wrongdoing. We are asking the EFCC and ICPC to investigate. If there is a contract worth ₦2.7 trillion annually, let the documents be made available. Let Nigerians know who signed it, who receives the money, what services are being provided and how the performance is measured.”»
The youth leader also questioned the extent to which pipeline surveillance contracts have translated into employment, community development and improved security for oil-producing communities.
“Pipeline surveillance is not only about protecting pipelines. It should also bring measurable benefits to the communities where these pipelines pass through. The people of the Niger Delta deserve transparency,” he said.
‘We Will Protest at EFCC, ICPC Headquarters’
Frank further warned that if the relevant anti-corruption agencies fail to respond to the call for an investigation, the Niger Delta Progressive Youth Forum would have no option but to organise a peaceful protest to the headquarters of the EFCC and ICPC.
«“If the EFCC and ICPC fail to investigate this matter, we will have no choice but to mobilise and peacefully protest at their headquarters. We are Nigerians, and we have the right to demand accountability over public funds.”»
He, however, stressed that any demonstration would be peaceful and focused solely on demanding transparency and an independent investigation.
«“We are not looking for confrontation. We want answers. We want the relevant agencies to investigate the allegations and tell Nigerians the truth. If there is nothing to hide, an investigation should not be a problem.”»
Frank urged the Federal Government and relevant agencies to make available, where legally permissible, the contracts, payment records, scope of work and performance reports relating to pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta.
He said such transparency would help settle the controversy surrounding the alleged ₦2.7 trillion figure and prevent misinformation from further generating tension in the region.
The controversy follows allegations concerning an alleged ₦2.7 trillion annual pipeline surveillance arrangement involving the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and Osahon Okunbo. The allegation has been disputed, and the Olu of Warri has called for evidence supporting the claim.
Frank maintained that the appropriate response is for the relevant authorities to examine the records and make their findings known to the public.
«“If the ₦2.7 trillion claim is false, let the authorities come out with the facts and correct the record. If it is true, Nigerians deserve to know how such a huge amount is being spent. Either way, there must be transparency.”»
He therefore called on the EFCC and ICPC to commence an independent investigation, saying the outcome should be made public in the interest of accountability, transparency and the people of the Niger Delta.