𝑈𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑠 𝐹𝑒𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝐺𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝐴𝑐𝑡 𝑆𝑤𝑖𝑓𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑜𝑛 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝐷𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

In a strongly worded and emotionally charged statement, Niger Delta activist Tamarakro Maku has openly criticized several traditional rulers from the Ijaw (Izon) communities for opposing calls to decentralize the controversial pipeline surveillance contract in the southern region.

Maku, speaking after watching a series of viral videos featuring monarchs backing the current arrangement, described their stance as deeply disappointing and out of alignment with the true essence of traditional leadership. According to her, kings are meant to embody unity, strength, and peace—values she believes are being undermined by their public alignment with specific individuals and interests.

She accused some of the monarchs of failing their communities, alleging misuse of communal resources and a pattern of silence on critical development issues. Maku claimed that while these leaders have been vocal in defending the status quo, they have not demonstrated the same energy in advocating for basic infrastructure such as bridges, hospitals, schools, and clean water in their regions.

In her remarks, she further alleged that certain community funds have been diverted for personal enrichment, including financing education abroad for family members rather than investing in local development. She also noted that these same leaders have not publicly demanded justice for detained Niger Delta youths who were involved in struggles against environmental and economic exploitation.

Maku contrasted the position of the monarchs with that of stakeholders advocating for decentralization, describing the latter as individuals who have made significant sacrifices in the fight for the region’s rights. She emphasized that many of these figures were once on the frontlines of resistance before accepting government amnesty, and questioned the moral authority of those who had not participated in such struggles to now dismiss their demands.

Raising critical questions, Maku challenged opponents of decentralization to explain what tangible harm it would cause. She dismissed fears surrounding the proposal as exaggerated and illogical, arguing that opening up the contract would not lead to chaos but could instead create opportunities for broader participation and fairness.

She also called on traditional rulers to act as mediators rather than partisans, urging them to convene dialogue and foster peace in a region already burdened by tension. Instead, she warned, their current posture risks deepening divisions and escalating conflict.

Turning her attention to those currently managing the contract, Maku questioned their resistance to change, suggesting that prolonged control without inclusivity breeds resentment. She argued that refusing decentralization sends a message of exclusivity and selfishness, warning that others may no longer be willing to accept such dominance.

Addressing claims that new stakeholders lack the capacity to manage pipeline surveillance, she dismissed the argument as unfounded. According to her, individuals who once organized and sustained the Niger Delta struggle movements possess the capability and resilience needed to protect critical infrastructure.

Maku also directed criticism at political leadership, referencing comments made by Governor Douye Diri regarding disputes over decentralization. She questioned the priorities of leadership, suggesting that governance issues ans security affecting everyday citizens should take precedence over elite disagreements.

In a poignant moment, she recalled the death of a young man named Patrick, noting that most traditional rulers remained silent at the time, only to later speak out forcefully against decentralization advocates. For her, this selective outrage underscores a troubling disconnect between leadership and the lived realities of the people.

She concluded by challenging the perceived authority of traditional titles, arguing that influence should be earned through action, not symbolism. According to Maku, those who have actively participated in the struggle for the Niger Delta carry a weight that cannot be overshadowed by ceremonial positions.

Reaffirming her stance, Maku called on the Nigerian government to act swiftly in decentralizing the pipeline surveillance contract. She insisted that her position is not driven by personal gain but by a commitment to fairness and regional development.

Her final warning was stark: mishandling sensitive issues like this could ignite consequences far beyond control, with the potential to destabilize not just communities, but the broader region itself.