Group alleges marginalization in pipeline surveillance contract

By Ochiaka Ugwu

Eastern Youth Coalition for Equity had alleged marginalization of South Easterners in the award of pipeline surveillance contract in Eastern Region by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In a press conference addressed in Abuja Tuesday by one of the conveners, Comrade Edwin Nkwede, it urged the Federal Government to act swiftly in addressing the issue to avert agitation that may lead to bigger challenges in the East.
It noted the pipeline contract has generated so much controversy in the last one year and led to agitations which were all centered on marginalization.
His words, “Our protest is even more germane now that the contract is to be renewed by the Federal Government.
“The Eastern Youth Coalition on marginalization in the pipeline surveillance contract in Igbo Land, is a coalition of interested youths pressure groups from Oil Producing State in the Eastern region of Nigeria, namely; Abia, Anambra and Imo States respectively”.
They wondered why a non-Igbo, should be at the helm of affairs in the protection of crude oil exploration facilities in their region.
“This can only happen to Igbos. If an Igbo man holds a contract of this magnitude in Itsekiri land or any other land, I doubt if they would embrace the decision” they lamented.
The coalition however, appealed to federal government to prevail on the general contractors, to accommodate youths of the coalition which forms the mandate of the youths of the region.
They also asked that requisite offices and stakeholders responsible for award of subcontract from the existing contract which would soon be re-awarded, to be given to a company chosen by the coalition.
The coalition said that if considered, would passionately assure proper community liaison for effective monitoring of crude oil facilities in the region.(NAN)