Niger Delta activist, Asari Dokubo, has questioned the alleged award of N2.7 trillion in annual pipeline surveillance contracts to the Olu of Warri, Tompolo and other individuals and companies.

Dokubo made the allegation in a video circulating online while defending former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over his involvement in pipeline surveillance contracts.

He questioned why Tompolo was being criticised over the contracts when, according to him, other individuals were allegedly receiving larger sums for similar services.

“So, because I am fighting for freedom, the Olu of Warri can do a contract and have money, but Tompolo cannot do the contract and have his own money. I cannot do it,” Dokubo said.

Dokubo alleged that the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and Osahon Idahosa, whom he identified as the son of Captain Idahosa Okunbo and Managing Director of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, were collecting N2.7 trillion annually for pipeline protection.

“You are talking about Tompolo. What of the Olu of Warri and Osahon, son of Captain Osa, who are collecting N2.7 trillion annually for guarding pipelines? Why did you not call them out?” he asked.

He further alleged that the individuals were not facing similar criticism because of their ethnic backgrounds.

“They are collecting N2.7 trillion a year. You are calling Tompolo, who is collecting less. I’m not in that contract,” he said.

Dokubo said Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited was awarded N48 billion per year in 2023 to protect the nation’s oil pipelines, an amount he described as smaller compared to the contracts allegedly enjoyed by Idahosa and the Olu of Warri. Tantita’s contract, which has constantly sparked criticism, was to run for three years at N48 billion per year.

The Niger Delta activist also argued that companies or individuals from other parts of Nigeria should not be allowed to take over contracts intended to benefit the Niger Delta region.

According to him, such contracts would ultimately become the private wealth of the beneficiaries rather than resources belonging to the Niger Delta.

“So, other people from other regions should come and take the contract. When they take it, when Arthur Eze takes that contract, it is not Niger Delta money; it is Arthur Eze’s money,” he said.

He also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to investigate the alleged payments, its funding structure and services delivered under the arrangement.