The Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited has denied what it described as fabricated allegations of misconduct in the handling of NNPCL’s Pipeline Protection Contracts in the Niger-Delta.
This is contained in a statement jointly signed by Prince (Dr.) Benson Onuwaje, the Delta State Coordinator of Pipeline Infrastructures Nigeria Limited, and Akpos Mezeh, PRO of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.
According the statement, the allegations of circulated by some certain media houses were merely fabricated to drag the image of the company to the mud.
The group challenged those who are the real instigators behind the falsehoods to have the courage to reveal their true identities, adding that this would enable them to invite them to a roundtable engagement with the relevant authorities.
They stated,”I stand before you today to address the spurious and unsubstantiated allegations fabricated and circulated by some faceless groups and individuals masquerading and operating under the name Niger Delta Grassroots Coalition. Unfortunately, these falsehoods have been given a platform by certain media houses, allowing them to propagate these untruths.
“Ordinarily, the management of Pipeline Infrastructures Nigeria Limited would not have engaged in a public dispute with them, so as not to give them undeserved attention and publicity. However, as lies, if not corrected, may be taken as truth by the gullible, we find it necessary to address these allegations.
“We are not here to shy away from scrutiny; instead, we challenge those who are the real instigators behind these falsehoods to have the courage to reveal their true identities. This will enable us to invite them to a roundtable engagement with the relevant authorities. During this meeting, we can discuss the exceptional performance of Pipeline Infrastructures Nigeria Limited, supported by concrete facts and figures.
“We will also highlight the knowledge of our achievements by our employers and government at various levels in the Niger Delta, particularly regarding pipeline security and surveillance. These efforts have resulted in improved output in crude oil and gas production. We hope that, faced with these accomplishments, they will not retreat in shame.
“We have warned the individuals behind this fake news numerous times that no amount of blackmail, falsehood, or propaganda will make us patronize or negotiate with those who are not aligned with the requirements of our job. This style of hustling is already archaic and no longer fashionable.
“We want to unequivocally state that Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited remains steadfast in our commitment to excellence, particularly along the coast of the Niger Delta. We are confident that our operations are significantly contributing to the region’s development.”
The statement added,”Allow me to take you back to the year 2015 when then-President Muhammadu Buhari invited our chairman, Captain Hosa Okunbor now of blessed memory owing to his vast experience and capacity in surveillance and security jobs and the NNPC sought our assistance in rescuing Nigeria.
“On December 22, 2015, we were entrusted with Warri’s trunk line. Despite the initial challenges, including deliberate sabotage, we amazingly successfully completed the task, salvaging the line for the benefit of Nigeria’s crude oil and gas production.
“Our journey continued with proof of concepts spanning seven months before payment was received. When NNPC approached us again, this time regarding MM40, we initiated another proof of concept, starting on November 27, 2018. By June 2019, payments commenced. We were also called upon to salvage the Trans-Forcados pipeline, initiating another successful proof of concept on April 17, 2019.
“Since taking control of the Trans-Forcados pipeline, our operations have contributed to Delta state’s status as the leading oil-producing state in Nigeria. Our lines are functioning optimally, providing substantial benefits to various entities and the communities we serve. If we are not doing well as these blackmailers are struggling to make the gullible believe, will our employers continue to patronise us with various jobs and at various locations in the Niger Delta region?The answer is no.
“We categorically reject this false and fabricated news circulating about our contracts. We implore those making this baseless claims to educate themselves on the intricacies of our operations before making unfounded accusations. If anyone wishes to discuss these matters, we invite them to witness firsthand the facilities we’ve established in Trans-Forcados, NNPC, and MM40, all of which have brought peace to the region.”
The statement further said,”We are aware that these accusations may be driven by external influences or individuals collaborating with our rivals. We urge them to retracting of these claims as we strive to create economic opportunities and employment for the youth in all committees.
“Our commitment remains unwavering — we deliver services, add value for money, and ensure the security of the land. Our primary goal is to secure contracts to facilitate the smooth delivery of cargo to various terminals. NNPC lines can pump from Escravos to deliver to the refinery in Warri and beyond.
“I want to reiterate a fundamental principle that the Niger-Delta does not belong to any particular tribe; it is for all of us. Nobody can monopolize the Niger-Delta, and with the work we are doing, we strive to provide the best services to the youth and communities of the Niger-Delta.
“It’s essential to recognize that the Niger-Delta belongs to all of us, and nobody should attempt to claim exclusivity. Our operations focus on benefiting the communities we work in, demonstrating our commitment to the welfare and well-being of the people.
“As part of our engagement, we have provided boats and created employment opportunities for the youth in the communities on our right of ways and others in the catchment areas.These resources are integral to our operations and underscore our dedication to community development.
“Inclusivity is crucial in the Niger-Delta, and we should learn how to accommodate one another without resorting to media blackmail. Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, the Executive Vice President Upstream of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), is an Itsekiri woman and has every right to hold leadership positions in Nigeria. Itsekiri communities, being among the highest oil-producing communities in Nigeria, contribute significantly to the nation’s prosperity.
“Let this be a clear reminder that Niger-Delta is a shared heritage, and unity should prevail. Our qualification for contracts is based on merit, validated by the proof of concept. We encourage a constructive dialogue rather than divisive tactics.
“In conclusion, we affirm our dedication to being the best, and we continue to work tirelessly for the betterment of our Niger Delta communities. Thank you for your attention. Together, let us foster unity and progress in the Niger-Delta.”
