...As Tinubu Urged to Decentralise Pipeline Surveillance Contract to Promote Equity, Transparency, National Peace and Security 

Former Niger Delta agitator from Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State, Dr. Ebebe Watchman, has endorsed the call by Niger Delta leader and businessman Ayiri Emami for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to decentralise the Federal Government’s pipeline surveillance contract across the Niger Delta.

Dr. Watchman said the demand is driven by the need for fairness, equity, and inclusive participation of stakeholders and host communities in the management of pipeline surveillance operations across the region.

He noted that if the current structure of the pipeline surveillance contract continues to favour a few individuals while sidelining key stakeholders who played significant roles in the Niger Delta struggle, it would undermine the sacrifices made by those who fought for the region's interests.

Dr. Watchman explained that leaders such as Chief Victor Ben Ebikabowei and other frontline stakeholders had long advocated for greater participation of host communities and regional leaders in protecting oil facilities. 

He expressed disappointment that despite years of agitation, many respected leaders who contributed immensely to the peace process and stability of the region have not been adequately included in the management of the surveillance contract.

According to him, the Niger Delta struggle was championed mainly by leaders from Bayelsa and Rivers states, yet many of those who made significant sacrifices now feel excluded from the benefits and opportunities associated with pipeline surveillance operations.

Dr. Ebebe Watchman, has joined other regional stakeholders in supporting the call by Chief Ayiri Emami for the decentralisation of the Federal Government’s pipeline surveillance contract. He said the contract should be distributed among qualified stakeholders across the various Niger Delta states to ensure fairness, inclusion, and effective monitoring of oil facilities.

According to Dr. Watchman, host communities and state-based stakeholders are better positioned to protect critical oil infrastructure within their respective areas. He maintained that involving local stakeholders would improve accountability and strengthen efforts to combat pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft across the region.

His position aligns with recent remarks by Chief Ayiri Emami, who cautioned against concentrating such an important national security responsibility in the hands of a single individual. Emami stressed that the current arrangement limits broader participation and could create unnecessary risks in the management of vital oil assets.

Speaking during a press briefing on ward delineation at his palace in Warri, Delta State, Chief Emami urged the Federal Government to adopt a more inclusive framework. He called for the involvement of credible stakeholders and host communities from across the Niger Delta in pipeline surveillance operations.

Emami argued that decentralising the contract would promote transparency, improve operational efficiency, and give communities a greater sense of ownership. He added that a balanced structure would address the concerns of host communities while strengthening the protection of oil and gas infrastructure.

The call has received support from several prominent Niger Delta leaders, including King Michael Ateke Tom, Chief Victor Ben Ebikabowei (Boyloaf), and Chief Bibopere Ajube (Shoot-at-Sight), Dr. Alaye Tari Theophilus, Egbema One, Commmder Pius and many other regional and community leaders. 

Dr. Watchman urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the current arrangement and implement a decentralised model that guarantees fair representation, promotes peace, and enhances security across the Niger Delta region.