By NaijaonpointOnline
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Central Zone, has rejected calls by Mr. Kelly Nengimote for the revocation of the pipeline surveillance contract involving Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Ltd., Kojo Sam Logistics Ltd., and Labrador Security Outfit.
In a statement signed by its Information Officer, Comr. Boro Francis, the IYC Central Zone said it had carefully considered the concerns raised by Nengimote and their potential implications for the security and economic interests of the Niger Delta.
The Council strongly condemned what it described as attempts to use the name or collective interest of the Ijaw people to undermine fellow Ijaw persons or legitimate Ijaw-owned enterprises.
According to the group, while individuals have the right to raise concerns over public or commercial activities, such concerns should be supported by credible evidence and channelled through appropriate institutions.
The IYC Central Zone maintained that the Federal Government should allow the existing pipeline surveillance arrangement involving the three companies to continue, subject to established regulatory, operational and security requirements.
It stressed that pipeline surveillance remains crucial to protecting national infrastructure, preventing oil theft and pipeline vandalism, safeguarding government revenue and maintaining security across oil-producing communities.
The Council also acknowledged the activities of Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Ltd., Kojo Sam Logistics Ltd., Labrador Security Outfit and other operators working within the Tantita security framework, saying their operations have contributed to infrastructure surveillance and the maintenance of order in areas covered by the contracts.
“There is, therefore, no justification for terminating or disrupting the existing arrangement solely on the basis of an unverified publication,” the Council stated.
It called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to independently investigate the allegations contained in Nengimote’s publication before taking any action capable of affecting the current surveillance structure.
The IYC Central Zone further said that where legitimate concerns exist regarding the conduct or performance of any contractor, such matters should be formally presented to the appropriate authorities for transparent investigation.
The Council, however, emphasised that it would support accountability wherever wrongdoing is established, while warning that accountability should not be used as a tool for personal rivalry, vendetta or the destruction of legitimate Ijaw interests.
The youth body appealed to Ijaw leaders, youth organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and maturity in resolving disagreements.
It noted that the Niger Delta has endured decades of insecurity, environmental degradation, economic hardship and disruption of legitimate livelihoods, stressing that internal disagreements should not create additional instability in the region.
The Council concluded that “the Ijaw nation is bigger than individual interests,” reaffirming its commitment to justice, accountability, peace, security and the protection of legitimate opportunities for the Ijaw people and the wider Niger Delta.