Former militants and the OPC will today begin the execution of the N9.3b waterways and oil pipelines contracts. As stated by a memo from the Presidency, the ex-militants led by Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), Mujaheedin Asari-Dokubo and Chief Bipobiri Ajube (aka Gen. Shoot-At-Sight) have been directed to take over Nigerian waterways and oil pipeline protection from the police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as from March 16. It was learnt that the contract execution have been delayed because it was uncertain whether the incoming administration would revoke it. Some of the ex-militants did not have enough arms to man the pipelines and needed more time to get well-equipped for the job. Based on what was gathered, the Federal Government is set to make a two-month payment out of the N9.3billion contract sum to the beneficiaries through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The exact amount to be paid could not be ascertained last night. The security agencies will hand over to the militants today, a source stated last night. The contract was signed on March 16. The companies are owned by some former Niger Delta militants and prominent citizens, including founder of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) Dr. Frederick Fasehun who confirmed that his company was being considered for the multi-billion naira contract. The OPC National co-ordinator, Otunba Gani Adams, also confirmed to have been awarded the contract, saying it would provide jobs for his “boys”. Seven companies have been allocated “regions” or operational areas as follows: Egbe Security River One (Bayelsa); Gallery Security (Mosinmi-Ore); Close Body Protection (Edo State); Adex Energy Security(Rivers) ; Donyx Global Concept(Lagos and Ogun); Oil Facilities Surveillance – (Delta) and New Age Global Security (Mosinmi-Ibadan). The Federal Government was stated to have appointed one Engr. Molokwu from the NNPCV Energy and Technical Department as the coordinator. It was learnt that in 2009, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Ufot Ekaette, presented a memo to the Federal Executive Council for the award of the N1.8billion Kurutie Shoreline Protection and Reclamation contract. A company, KFT Kpudoh, allegedly owned by Tompolo and another called Phoenica Nigeria Limited, bid for the stated contract. Based on the advice of the Bureau of Public Procurement, after a thorough technical audit, the Shoreline Protection and Reclamation Contract was awarded to Phoenica Nigeria Limited by FEC.
But the award of the contract to Phoenica fetched Ekaette death threats. The government later reviewed the contract. The contract for pipelines in Delta State would be executed by Oil Field Surveillance Limited, the same company, which had previously handled it. It is owned by Tompolo, a source in Warri, Delta State stated. Wide criticisms trailed the president's approval of the contracts. Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) described the plan as an act of corruption which has no precedent anywhere in the world. “Why must we encourage the establishment and operation of ex-militants in securing our oil pipelines? What is the responsibility of the Police and the Navy if the ex-militants are to be saddled with the responsibility?” he asked. Lagos lawyer Festus Keyamo blasted the Federal Government for conceiving the idea in the first place, saying: “It is irresponsible of the Federal Government to give up part of its security to individuals. The money that would be given to such people should be used to equip the Police and the Navy. If this is done, they will perform better.” Second Republic lawmaker Dr Junaid Mohammed said: “You can’t hire out the functions of the government to an individual no matter how connected they are…” Retired Police Commissioner Abubarkar Tsav blamed the plan on the desperation of President Jonathan to win the election at all costs.