STOP ATTACKING TOMPOLO, TANTITA — DEMAND OIL BLOCKS FROM PRESIDENCY
Ogidigba urges Niger Delta leaders to unite, reconcile and fight for greater Ijaw participation in oil sector
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
OPOROZA — The leadership of the Amnesty Delegates Forum has called for an immediate end to what it described as attacks against High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and the Tantita Security Services pipeline surveillance contract.
The group also urged prominent Niger Delta leaders, particularly the former agitator leaders popularly known as the “Big Five,” to bury their differences and unite in demanding greater economic opportunities for the region from the Presidency.
In a strongly worded appeal, Gen. Ogidigba Godstime Ogidigba called for a peace and reconciliation meeting of selected top Amnesty leaders in Oporoza, where outstanding grievances could be brought to the table and resolved through dialogue.
According to Ogidigba, continued disagreements among former agitator leaders could weaken the collective bargaining power of the Niger Delta at a time when unity is needed to secure greater opportunities for the people.
“STOP THE SOCIAL-MEDIA ATTACKS”
Ogidigba appealed to aggrieved Niger Deltans to exercise restraint and caution in their criticism of Tompolo and the Tantita pipeline surveillance contract.
He argued that the region’s present disagreements over pipeline surveillance should not be allowed to degenerate into personal attacks or further division among its leaders.
The Amnesty Delegates Forum leader questioned why similar widespread demands for decentralisation, termination or restructuring of pipeline surveillance arrangements were not made during the period when Ocean Marine Solutions handled such responsibilities.
“Why should it be different now?” he asked.
FROM CONFRONTATION TO COLLECTIVE DEMAND
Rather than concentrating on attacks against individuals or companies, Ogidigba urged Niger Delta leaders to redirect their energy towards demands that could deliver tangible benefits to the region.
He called for the Big Five former agitator leaders and other relevant Niger Delta stakeholders to form a united front capable of engaging the Presidency on issues affecting the region.
Among the opportunities he said should be pursued are oil blocks, pipeline maintenance contracts and increased participation in the oil and gas industry.
Ogidigba maintained that a united leadership would be in a stronger position to negotiate for opportunities and development projects for the Ijaw people and the wider Niger Delta.
“OUR STRENGTH IS IN OUR UNITY”
The Amnesty Delegates Forum said reconciliation among the former agitator leaders was necessary to prevent personal disagreements from overshadowing the broader interests of the Niger Delta.
“The unity of the Big Five ex-agitator leaders, alongside other relevant Niger Delta stakeholders, is essential if we are to achieve meaningful progress,” Ogidigba said.
He urged the leaders to place the collective interests of their people above personal differences and work together towards securing a greater share of opportunities in the nation’s petroleum economy.
“Our strength lies in our unity. We must put aside personal differences and work together for the common good of our people,” he said.
The statement ended with a call that has long resonated in the region:
“United we stand; divided we fall.”
Signed:
Gen. Ogidigba Godstime Ogidigba
Amnesty Delegates Forum
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