By Our Correspondent
National News – The Niger Delta Salvation Group has faulted recent remarks by Pastor Reuben Wilson criticizing calls for decentralisation of the federal government’s pipeline surveillance contract, insisting that no one is seeking to remove the contract from Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
In a statement signed by its leader, General Ezekiel Andrew, the group said stakeholders advocating decentralisation are only calling for inclusiveness and not confrontation.
“Nobody is telling anybody to remove the surveillance contract from Tompolo. What they are saying is ‘decentralise.’ It’s not a bad idea. Everybody is Niger Delta. Everybody has the right to protect their areas,” Andrew said.
He stressed that prominent Niger Delta leaders including Ateke Tom, Asari Dokubo, Shoot-at-Sight and Boyloaf are not fighting Tompolo but advocating a peaceful and equitable structure that allows different leaders to secure their respective territories.
“Ateke, Asari, Boyloaf, they are all leaders of the Niger Delta, and coming out to say they should decentralise it is not a bad idea. Give Tompolo his own, give the others their own. Let everybody control their territory and let peace reign in the Niger Delta,” he added.
Andrew also cautioned against verbal attacks and warned that inflammatory comments could heighten tensions in the already sensitive region.
He accused Pastor Wilson of making statements capable of inciting anger and alleged that he failed to disclose his own involvement as a subcontractor under Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
“Pastor Reuben Wilson should stop making statements that could incite anger and violence. Why is he mentioning the names of David Lyon, Kojo Sam and Joshua MacIver as subcontractors under Tantita but failed to mention himself, who is also a subcontractor covering parts of Rivers State? That is provocative,” Andrew stated.
The group further alleged that Wilson had previously refused to accommodate neighbouring communities in security arrangements under Conoil in Koluama, questioning his current stance.
“You that refused Foropa people to benefit from Conoil is now saying unguided things just to please your paymasters. This statement is coming from your belly, not your head.”
“Will Tompolo allow somebody to take surveillance contract in Gbaramatu and make him a subcontractor? Can you, Pastor Reuben Wilson, allow somebody take contract in Koluama and make you a subcontractor?”
Tompolo has other federal government approved businesses he’s doing in his area. He has oil well. Is anybody fighting against him that they should revoke his licence? No. Nobody is doing that, because that is his domain. The reason people are asking for decentralization of the pipeline surveillance is because it’s a security job.”
“As a leader, if another person from one region has control over what is in your backyard and he’s paying people in your own community to work for them, it means you, the leader, have been relegated. Politically, economically and otherwise, it means you don’t have any value or say. Your boys can overthrow you any time. It means you can no longer decide on anything because you’re no longer in charge. That’s why the decentralization is key,” he said.
Andrew warned that Wilson’s comments could deepen divisions in the Niger Delta and urged him to exercise restraint.
“We want peace in the Niger Delta. This is not the time to make statements capable of causing problems. As an elder and leader, he should be guided.”
“Pastor Reuben, you’re saying things you’re not supposed to say because you are afraid that if they decentralize the contract, they will give what you’re currently enjoying in Rivers State to another person, and you will be given only little in Bayelsa State or possibly left out completely,” he added.
The group maintained that decentralisation would promote peace, inclusiveness, and improved security of oil infrastructure across the Niger Delta region.
