By Ahmed Yusuf – Abuja
NATIONAL NEWS – The Niger Delta Youth Coalition Movement (NDYCM) has strongly condemned the recent statement credited to some leaders of the Bayelsa and Delta caucus of ex-agitators, describing their criticism of Elaye Slaboh as baseless and a deliberate attempt to misrepresent his position on pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Self-styled Lucky Jonah, the group said the attack on Slaboh for supporting the role of Government Ekpemupolo and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in the protection of critical oil infrastructure was unnecessary and misleading.
Jonah, who was the Pioneer Secretary of the Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme Beneficiaries and is also the Chairman of Isoko Ex-Agitators, said Slaboh, who is the National Chairman of Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme Beneficiaries, merely expressed a widely acknowledged reality that the surveillance structure currently being operated by Tantita has delivered measurable results in safeguarding pipelines and curbing oil theft in the region.
According to him, the attempt by the Bayelsa and Delta caucus to portray Slaboh’s comments as insensitive to other ex-agitators was unfortunate and does not reflect the sentiments of the majority of stakeholders who have witnessed the positive impact of the existing surveillance arrangement.
He stressed that defending the achievements of Tantita Security Services should not be twisted into an attack on other capable Niger Delta youths, adding that Slaboh’s remarks were focused on recognizing competence and the operational success already recorded under the current system.
The NDYCM chairman further noted that before the engagement of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft had reached alarming levels, but the situation has significantly improved following the company’s coordinated surveillance activities across the Niger Delta.
Jonah also criticized the suggestion that communities should individually secure pipelines within their territories, warning that such an arrangement could lead to disorganization and weaken the unified approach needed to effectively protect national oil assets.
He said while the Niger Delta indeed has many capable ex-agitators and security experts, the issue of pipeline surveillance must be approached with responsibility and respect for structures that have already demonstrated capacity and efficiency.
The NDYCM therefore urged those behind the criticism of Elaye Slaboh to refrain from making statements capable of creating unnecessary division among ex-agitators and stakeholders in the region.
Jonah added that rather than attacking individuals who speak in support of progress, stakeholders should focus on strengthening collaboration that will sustain peace, economic stability, and the protection of Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure.
“The same way the leadership of the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, aligns with the vision of President Bola Tinubu, that is the same way General Elaye Slaboh’s vision tallies with Otuaro’s leadership. Both Otuaro and Slaboh are well respected leaders who have the interest of ex-agitators at heart.”
“Elaye is not just any random person that was given Tantita Security Coordinator position, he has served and he is still serving. It is the grace of God that’s speaking for T-Dollar. Nobody should speak ill of him.”
“If you cannot appreciate his contributions to Tantita Security, the PAP and the Niger Delta, then hold your peace, don’t come and insult Elaye, he’s a leader,” Lucky Jonah said.
The group reaffirmed its support for constructive engagement among stakeholders and called for continued backing for initiatives that have proven effective in combating oil theft and restoring confidence in the Niger Delta’s oil production system.
