Pipeline contract: You can’t take over Eastern Corridor – Niger Delta activist dares Asari Dokubo
Activist Fejiro Oliver Challenges Asari Dokubo’s Pipeline Claims
In a statement to reporters in Abuja on Tuesday, Niger Delta activist Fejiro Oliver asserted that former militant leader Asari Dokubo will not succeed in his alleged attempt to gain control of the Eastern Corridor pipeline contracts.
Oliver emphasized the importance of allowing every Niger Delta community the opportunity to provide security for the pipelines that traverse their land. He referenced a recent challenge from the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, who demanded that Dokubo substantiate claims alleging that both the monarch and others receive N2.7 trillion annually from pipeline surveillance contracts.
Prince Collins Oritsetjmeyin Edema, the Sole Representative of the Olu of Warri to NNCL/JV Partners, echoed these sentiments in a statement, asserting that Dokubo’s comments should be viewed within the context of his long-standing reputation, which is closely tied to militancy and confrontational political expression.
In the wake of Dokubo questioning the awarding of pipeline surveillance contracts, he accused the Olu of Warri and other unnamed individuals of receiving substantial sums yearly. Edema cautioned that assertions about well-known figures in a politically and ethnically sensitive environment carry significant implications.
Oliver provided additional context regarding the pipeline surveillance contracts, stating he played a key role in urging the federal government to grant such contracts to local communities. He criticized the current distribution of contractor roles, noting that the majority belong to individuals from the Ijaw ethnic group, while the Itsekiri are also represented.
He expressed respect for Dokubo’s historical contributions to the struggle for resource control through militant means but criticized his current approach, indicating that a shift toward intellectual advocacy has surfaced in recent years.
“It’s surprising to see that he is plotting to take the contract,” Oliver said. “He quotes N2.1 trillion paid to certain companies because I disclosed those figures, yet he has never reviewed the contract papers.”
Oliver dismissed Dokubo’s claim of a N2.7 trillion pipeline contract as unfounded and stated he would not allow misinformation to circulate unchallenged.
He stressed that the Itsekiri and Edo communities have already received their fair share of the contracts and that voices from other local groups, including the Urhobos, Isoko, Ilajes, and others, should be prioritized in discussions about contract allocations.
