The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, has rejected an allegation by former Niger Delta militant leader Asari Dokubo that the monarch receives ₦2.7 trillion annually from pipeline surveillance contracts.
The monarch’s position was contained in a statement issued by Prince Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, Sole Representative of the Olu of Warri to NNPC Limited and its Joint Venture partners.
Edema described the allegation as extraordinary and categorically denied the claim, challenging Dokubo to produce documentary evidence to substantiate his assertion.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the allegation that the Olu of Warri receives ₦2.7 trillion annually from pipeline surveillance contracts is categorically rejected,” the statement said.
“We challenge Mr. Dokubo to produce the documentary evidence upon which this extraordinary claim is based.”
The statement stressed that the issue goes beyond an argument between individuals, noting that pipeline surveillance is closely linked to Nigeria’s energy security, crude oil production, government revenue and foreign exchange earnings.
According to the Olu’s representative, contracts for the surveillance of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure should therefore be subjected to proper scrutiny, including examination of procurement processes, government approvals, corporate records and performance reports.
He argued that allegations involving pipeline surveillance contracts should be determined by evidence and investigation rather than political rhetoric.
The statement also questioned the basis of Dokubo’s intervention, noting his long-standing public profile and history of involvement in Niger Delta militancy and political activism.
It, however, cautioned against dismissing Dokubo’s claims solely because of his background, stressing that neither his history nor his reputation should automatically establish the truth or falsehood of an allegation.
“His claims must stand or fall on the quality of the evidence supporting them,” the statement added.
The Olu of Warri’s representative further referenced Dokubo’s previous positions on pipeline surveillance and his public disagreements and interventions involving Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and the wider Gbaramatu-Itsekiri issues.
According to him, changes in political positions do not necessarily establish bad faith, but they make it legitimate for the public to ask what has changed and what evidence supports the latest claims.
The statement also warned against allowing the controversy to fuel ethnic tensions in the Niger Delta, particularly among Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo communities.
It urged public figures and stakeholders to exercise restraint, arguing that the region had already suffered significant consequences from confrontation and inflammatory rhetoric.
“The central question, therefore, is not whether Asari Dokubo can command attention. He plainly can. The question is whether the substance of what he is saying can survive independent scrutiny,” the statement said.
It maintained that whoever makes an allegation should provide evidence, while anyone accused should be given an opportunity to respond.
The Olu of Warri’s representative further called for institutional oversight in matters involving pipeline surveillance, national assets and oil revenues.
He said Nigeria could not afford to have decisions concerning critical infrastructure and national security driven by political rhetoric, ethnic suspicion or the influence of individuals.
“Pipeline security is ultimately about more than contracts. It is about protecting national assets, safeguarding economic activity and securing an important part of Nigeria’s economic survival,” the statement concluded.
