...As He Identified Stakeholders Such As Asari, Ateke, Boyloaf, Ayiri And Others To Manage Their Territories

Gen. Sunday Obioma, speaking for Concerned Ex-Agitators, has urged President Tinubu and the Federal Government to decentralize pipeline surveillance contracts across the Niger Delta, warning that concentrating them among a few individuals could deepen marginalization and undermine regional security.

Obioma’s demand comes amid questions raised by opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, concerning an alleged ₦11 trillion associated with pipeline surveillance contracts. 

He urged the Federal Government to investigate the figures, clarify the financial arrangements, and provide Nigerians with verifiable information about the beneficiaries, allocation of funds, and results achieved.

“Who are the individuals benefiting from this enormous financial arrangement, and what measurable value has the Niger Delta received in return?” Obioma queried, insisting that allegations involving public funds of such magnitude deserve serious scrutiny. 

He maintained that the Presidency should not dismiss the concerns as mere political arguments but should address them through transparency and accountability.

According to the ex-agitator, the concentration of pipeline surveillance opportunities among a limited number of beneficiaries raises questions about fairness and inclusion, particularly when oil-producing communities continue to face unemployment, environmental degradation, underdevelopment, and limited economic opportunities. 

He argued that communities whose territories host critical oil infrastructure should have meaningful opportunities to participate in its protection.

Obioma emphasized that decentralization should be the central pillar of any review of the existing pipeline surveillance arrangement, advocating a system that allows qualified stakeholders in individual oil-producing states to participate in safeguarding pipelines within their respective territories. 

He said such an approach could strengthen ownership, improve intelligence gathering, enhance operational effectiveness, and encourage greater community cooperation.

He identified stakeholders such as Gen. Boyloaf and others in Bayelsa State, King  Ateke Tom, King Asari Dokubo and others in Rivers State, and Chief Ayiri Emami in Delta State as examples of persons whose potential involvement could be considered alongside other qualified stakeholders under a transparent and lawful framework. 

He stressed, however, that participation must be guided by professional competence, clearly defined responsibilities, and accountability rather than political patronage.

The Concerned Ex-Agitators spokesperson warned that maintaining a highly concentrated arrangement without addressing concerns about inclusion could worsen perceptions of marginalization across the Niger Delta. 

He argued that decentralization must not simply replace one monopoly with several smaller monopolies but should establish a fair, competitive, and accountable structure that serves both local communities and the national interest.

Obioma called for independent audits, transparent contract awards, measurable performance standards, regular reporting, and effective oversight by relevant government and security institutions. 

He maintained that every contractor should be accountable for the funds received and the results delivered, adding that protecting national assets must go hand in hand with fairness and meaningful participation by oil-producing communities.

He therefore urged President Tinubu and the Presidency to review the existing pipeline surveillance framework, investigate the allegations surrounding the reported ₦11 trillion, and initiate consultations with state governments, community representatives, traditional institutions, security agencies, and qualified local stakeholders. 

Reiterating his position on behalf of Concerned Ex-Agitators, Gen. Sunday Obioma insisted that decentralizing pipeline surveillance contracts across the Niger Delta is essential to promoting equity, strengthening national security, improving operational efficiency, and building sustainable peace in the oil-producing region.