In a recent video shared on Facebook, Primate Elijah Ayodele, the spiritual leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, cautioned the Federal Government against withdrawing the pipeline surveillance contract currently handled by former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo.
Speaking in the video, the cleric warned that removing Tompolo from the agreement could trigger serious security concerns in the Niger Delta region, particularly in relation to the protection of oil pipelines and other vital energy infrastructure. According to him, the existing surveillance arrangement plays a crucial role in maintaining stability in the oil-producing region.
Ayodele made the remarks while responding to reports and speculations suggesting that the government might be considering terminating the surveillance contract awarded to Tompolo. The cleric explained that he had been raising concerns about the issue for several months and believed the situation required careful handling.
“I have been talking about Tompolo for the past three months,” Ayodele said during the video.
He further noted that discussions and messages circulating in public spaces and online had hinted that authorities could soon move to withdraw the contract from the Niger Delta leader.
“There is a flyer we are seeing everywhere suggesting that the government wants to take the contract from him,” he added.
The religious leader warned that such a decision could potentially destabilize the fragile security arrangement in the region and lead to renewed acts of pipeline vandalism. According to him, the surveillance structure currently in place helps deter attacks on oil installations and contributes to the protection of national resources.
“If you try it, the pipelines will be blown,” he cautioned, suggesting that removing Tompolo could create an environment where militant activities might resurface.
Ayodele also argued that even the involvement of foreign security assistance would not necessarily resolve the situation if the contract were terminated. In his view, external intervention would not be enough to address the complex dynamics of the Niger Delta if local actors who understand the terrain are sidelined.
“Even if you bring Israeli or American forces to that place, it will still end in failure,” he said.
The cleric therefore urged the Federal Government to maintain the existing arrangement with Tompolo rather than disrupting it. He advised authorities to allow the current agreement to run its course, stressing that continuity in the contract could help sustain peace and stability in the oil-producing region.
“Do not take this contract from Tompolo. Leave him alone and allow the agreement to be completed,” Ayodele advised.See_More…