Pipeline Vandalism: NNPC Should Be Held Responsible – Ibikunle Amosun

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state, Southwest, Nigeria has charged the Federal Government on the management of petroleum pipelines across the country.

He attributed the incessant vandalism in various parts of the country to dereliction of duty on the part of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The governor made the call on Wednesday when he visited the scene of vandalised pipeline along Ajura-Iperu-Ogere road in Ikenne local government area of the State.

Amosun disclosed that the issue of vandalism in the country is a reflection of the state of the nation.

He lamented that a similar incident occurred last week at Arepo in Obafemi-Owode local government area of the state, which claimed the life of a pregnant woman.

Amosun however hinted that President Goodluck Jonathan showed concerned and gave him audience in 2012 on how to combat the menace, adding that, nothing has been done till date.

According to him, “vandalism is a daily occurrence which shows the way we are as a nation. I still maintain that NNPC is part of the problem, being the agency assigned to ensure that things like this do not happen. This is either dereliction of duty or neglect on the part of the agency of government.

“I don’t know how it would be difficult for us as a nation to prevent the recurrence of this ugly incidence. I mentioned some solutions in 2012 when I visited Arepo and when President Jonathan invited me to his office over this matter but nothing has been done about it till now,” Governor Amosun said.

The state’s helmsman who suggested that governors of various states which the pipeline passes through should be involved in checkmating vandals, alleging complicity of influential people in this vandalism.

Ex-militants May Take Over Waterways, Pipeline Security

Barring any last minute change, seven companies owed by former Niger Delta militants may, from Monday March 16, take over the security of Nigeria’s wa­terways and oil pipelines.

This is the second time the Federal Government would be handing over the protection of pipelines to ex-militants. The first contract awarded by the government of the late President Umar Yar’Adua expires two years ago and was not renewed immediately.

Daily Sun gathered that a letter from the Presi­dency to that effect has directed the police and per­sonnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDS) to hands off the security of the wa­terways and pipelines for the seven companies with effect from March 16, 2015.

Read Moresunnewsonline