The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has challenged Niger Delta activist Asari Dokubo to provide evidence for his claim that the monarch and others receive N2.7 trillion annually from pipeline surveillance contracts.
Dokubo made the allegation in a video 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 while, according to him, other beneficiaries were receiving larger sums.
Dokubo specifically alleged that the Olu of Warri and Osahon, whom he identified as the son of the late Captain Hosa, receive N2.7 trillion annually for pipeline protection. Reports have identified the businessman as Osahon Okunbo, linked to Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
However, no contract, payment record or other documentary evidence supporting the N2.7 trillion figure has been publicly presented alongside the allegation.
Responding through his sole representative to NNPC Limited and its joint-venture partners, Prince Collins Oritsetjmeyin Edema, the Olu of Warri’s camp described the claim as false and challenged Dokubo to produce evidence.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the allegation that the Olu of Warri receives N2.7 trillion annually from pipeline surveillance contracts is categorically rejected,” Edema said.
He added, “We challenge Mr Dokubo to produce the documentary evidence upon which this extraordinary claim is based.”
Edema said pipeline surveillance contracts involve critical national infrastructure and have implications for crude oil production, government revenue, foreign exchange earnings and the wider economy.
The response comes amid continuing debate over the transparency, cost and beneficiaries of private pipeline surveillance arrangements in the Niger Delta. Reports have noted that the contracts, including those involving companies linked to former militants, have attracted scrutiny over their value and accountability.
For now, Dokubo’s N2.7 trillion allegation remains unsubstantiated, while the Olu of Warri’s representatives have formally denied it and demanded documentary proof.
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