...As Itsekiri Community Reaffirms Position on Resource Control in Delta State

A gathering of Niger Delta stakeholders has renewed calls for the decentralization of pipeline security and oil and gas contracts, with the Itsekiri community of Warri Kingdom strongly reiterating its demand for greater inclusion and participation in the management of oil resources within Delta State.

Hon Kinsley Tenumah, the spokesperson of the Itsekiri community conveyed greetings from Warri Kingdom and expressed appreciation to the organizers of the forum before addressing key concerns affecting the region.

Concerns Over Marginalization in the Niger Delta
The Itsekiri community stated that it has remained at the forefront of demands for the decentralization of pipeline contracts since the inception of such discussions. According to the group, this stance is driven by a sense of long-standing marginalization within the broader Niger Delta struggle.

To illustrate their grievance, the speaker referenced a biblical parable of a servant who, after receiving forgiveness from his master, later treated a fellow servant harshly over a smaller debt. The analogy was used to describe what the community views as unfair treatment within the region.

Call for Equity Among Niger Delta Stakeholders
The group emphasized that all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta are legitimate stakeholders and should be treated equally. It warned against any form of dominance by larger groups over smaller ones, stressing that minority status should not translate into exclusion or oppression.

Appeal to the Federal Government
The Itsekiri community called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to engage meaningfully with all genuine stakeholders in the Niger Delta. It cautioned that continued neglect of local voices could have political consequences, particularly during election periods.

The group noted that while it supports continuity in government, such support should be matched with fair consideration for communities that host oil resources.

Claims Over Oil Production in Delta State
The community further stated that it accounts for more than thirty-five percent of oil and gas production in Delta State, reinforcing its position as a key stakeholder in the region’s petroleum industry.

Concerns Over the Decline of Warri

The statement also highlighted the perceived decline of Warri, describing the city as a shadow of its former self. It noted that Warri once stood as a symbol of pride in Delta State but has since experienced significant deterioration in status and development.

Demand for Local Control of Pipeline Security
A central point of the address was the demand for local participation in the protection and management of oil pipelines. The community argued that pipeline security should be decentralized and entrusted to host communities as a form of empowerment and development.

It further maintained that communities should benefit directly from securing infrastructure within their territories and that external actors should not be solely responsible for pipeline protection.

Claim of Local Capacity and Knowledge
The Itsekiri community asserted that it possesses superior knowledge of the local terrain and is therefore better positioned to manage pipeline security effectively. It argued that granting such responsibility to host communities could lead to improved oil production and reduced disruptions.

The group also stated that incidents of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism persist under the current arrangements, suggesting that existing security structures have not fully resolved the challenges.

Readiness to Participate in Security Operations
Reaffirming its position, the community expressed confidence in the capacity of indigenous security organizations to safeguard oil infrastructure. It stated that local mechanisms—both traditional and modern—could be deployed to address security threats such as vandalism and armed robbery.

Joint Call for Decentralization
In conclusion, the Itsekiri community joined other Niger Delta stakeholders in calling for the decentralization of pipeline and oil and gas contracts. It reiterated the position that responsibility for pipeline protection should be shared among host communities under a more localized framework.