Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, has rejected Asari Dokubo’s claim that the monarch receives N2.7 trillion annually from pipeline surveillance contracts.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Olu, through Collins Edema,
his sole representative to NNPC Limited and its joint venture partners,
challenged Dokubo to produce documentary evidence to support the claim.
Dokubo had alleged that the Olu of Warri and other
individuals receive the sum annually for pipeline surveillance.
But Edema described the claim as extraordinary and
challenged Dokubo to provide evidence to support same.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the allegation that the Olu of
Warri receives N2.7 trillion annually from pipeline surveillance contracts is
categorically rejected,” the statement reads.
“We challenge Mr Dokubo to produce the documentary evidence
upon which this extraordinary claim is based.”
Edema also questioned the manner in which Dokubo made the
allegation, citing his history in the Niger Delta and his style of public
commentary.
He said Dokubo’s public image has been associated with
militancy, confrontation and an uncompromising approach to political
expression.
The monarch also said Dokubo’s political identity was shaped
during the period of militancy and armed agitation in the Niger Delta, while
his rhetoric has retained some of the combative character of that era.
“His language is frequently categorical, provocative and
insufficiently restrained,” he said.
“That style may command attention, but attention should not
be confused with credibility, and forcefulness should not be mistaken for
evidence.”
Edema, however, cautioned against dismissing Dokubo’s claim
solely because of his background.
“The temptation should not be to dismiss everything Dokubo
says simply because of his militant past. That would be intellectually lazy,”
he said.
“Equally, neither should his reputation as a fierce Niger
Delta voice confer automatic credibility on his allegations. His claims must
stand or fall on the quality of the evidence supporting them.”
Edema also pointed to what he described as changes in
Dokubo’s position on Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and the
wider Gbaramatu-Itsekiri dispute.
He said Dokubo previously criticised Tompolo over the
pipeline security arrangement and the wider dispute, but recently defended him
against criticism while directing allegations elsewhere.
The monarch said the shifts did not by themselves establish
bad faith, but argued that they raised questions about what had changed and
what evidence supports Dokubo’s current position.
The statement also said the allegation should be considered
in the context of the wider importance of pipeline surveillance contracts.
“Pipeline surveillance contracts in Nigeria are not ordinary
commercial arrangements,” Edema said.
CALL FOR PROBE
Edema said Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure is a
critical national asset, adding that pipeline security has implications for
crude oil production, government revenue, foreign exchange earnings and the
stability of the economy.
He called for relevant contracts, procurement processes,
corporate records, government approvals, performance reports and regulatory
documents to be examined if concerns exist over pipeline-security arrangements.
“If wrongdoing is alleged, the appropriate institutions
should investigate and establish the facts,” he said.
“And if no wrongdoing is established, politically charged
allegations should not be allowed to substitute for evidence.”
The Olu’s representative also warned that statements
concerning the Olu of Warri, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL),
Tompolo and other actors could have consequences in the politically and
ethnically sensitive Niger Delta.
“The Niger Delta has paid a heavy price for politics
conducted through confrontation and inflammatory rhetoric. It would be deeply
unfortunate if old habits of militancy and unguarded speech were allowed to
reopen ethnic anxieties that responsible stakeholders are trying to put behind
them,” the statement added.
“Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo relations require responsible
leadership, not rhetoric that can easily be interpreted as provocation.”
Edema said the central issue is whether Dokubo’s allegation
could withstand independent scrutiny.
“Whoever makes the allegation should provide the evidence.
Whoever is accused should have the opportunity to respond,” he added.
“Pipeline security is ultimately about more than contracts.
It is about protecting national assets, safeguarding economic activity and
securing an important part of Nigeria’s economic survival.”
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com