Tompolo: Nigerian Govt Promoting Criminality With N48bn Pipeline Surveillance Contract, Says Rafsanjani
- President Muhammadu Buhari is currently under pressure over NNPC Ltd's decision to award N48bn pipeline surveillance contract to an ex-militant
- Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani of CISLAC recently joined the long list of well-meaning Nigerians to have condemned the decision
- Rafsanjani, however, urged the federal government to retrace their steps and stay true to the commitment they made to Nigerians in the 2015 polls
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FCT, Abuja - The executive director of the civil society legislative advocacy centre (CISLA), Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani has condemned the N48 billion surveillance contract awarded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCltd) to an ex-militant, Mr. Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.
Rafsanjani made this known in a statement made available to Legit.ng on Monday, September 12.
Source: Facebook
As contained in the statement, Rafsanjani made reference to Tompolo's past records and troubles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the years.
He questioned the integrity of the NNPC ltd for ignoring his past records before awarding him the contract.
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Rafsanjani said:
"What is the value of the investments and allocations made from the national treasury to the numerous security paraphernalia in Nigeria if an EX-militant is seen to be more competent to deliver on security issues than the entire armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."
"Who oversighted the procurement process of this award, were there bids, and what process led to his emergence on this award, or is our bureau of public procurement also an incompetent institution that couldn’t deliver on a free and equitable process? On the other doesn’t the law have clear stipulations on contract awards in Nigeria?"
The CISLAC boss further made reference to the agitation of rival groups who blamed the government for not consulting before awarding the contract.
These groups are said to have threatened to sabotage the execution of the contract if not carried along properly.
Rafsanjani, however, questioned the status of the NNPC Ltd "if it is still an agency of government given a contract on behalf of the government or a commercial entity that should be running their cost based on performance and have their operation approved by the governing board of that establishment?"
NNPC's decision belittles our security agencies - Rafsanjani
When contacted for further comments, Rafsanjani told Legit.ng that the decision to award Tompolo the surveillance contract in the Niger Delta area was a clear indication that the Nigerian government is promoting criminality.
Rafsanjani said:
"It is really sad that the Nigerian government is promoting criminality. Because what they have practically done is encourage criminality. So, criminals can take arms against the state and they can now rubbish our own security; the police, navy, army, and DSS meaning all of them cannot secure the country or the oil pipelines. One day, the Nigerian government will come and hire terrorists to guide us, this is really terrible."
Rafsanjani further urged the government to uphold the commitment and mantra that brought them to power in 2015.
He stated that it is still not late for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to redeem itself and make some measurable impact and decision that is just, fair, and civil for the greater good of Nigeria.
Tompolo bags pipeline surveillance contract from FG to combat oil theft
Recall that Legit.ng earlier reported that the NNPC Ltd entered a contractual deal with ex-militant leader, Tompolo to end illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.
Tompolo and his boys are also expected to stop illegal refining and other forms of oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The former Niger Delta warlord is set to make N4 billion monthly from the contract initiated by the government.
Oil theft: Tompolo, finally speaks on securing Niger Delta oil pipelines
Meanwhile, the fight against pipeline vandalism and oil bunkering will soon take center stage in a matter of days.
Ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo who has been contracted to combat this menace has fired warning shots at offenders.
Tompolo promised that normalcy will be restored in the region with the cooperation of affected communities.
Source: Legit.ng
