Powerful interests working against Tompolo’s war on oil theft – Adeyanju claims
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has alleged that powerful interests are working against the efforts of former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, to
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has alleged that powerful interests are working against the efforts of former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, to curb crude oil theft and environmental pollution in the Niger Delta.
Adeyanju made the claims while reacting to criticisms surrounding the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tompolo’s company to protect oil facilities across the oil-rich region.
According to the activist, opposition to the contract is coming from three categories of individuals who, he claimed, have been affected by Tompolo’s operations, which he said have disrupted illegal crude oil activities.
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“The three types of people against the Tompolo contract to prevent crude oil theft and environmental pollution in the Niger Delta are some officers and other oil bunkers,” Adeyanju said.
He further stated that another group opposing the arrangement includes former contractors who previously handled the pipeline surveillance but allegedly failed to secure the facilities effectively.
“Another set are the former people given the contract who couldn’t protect the pipelines to the extent production dropped to 300,000 barrels per day; and blackmailers who want a taste of the money from Tompolo,” he added.
Adeyanju alleged that individuals benefiting from illegal oil bunkering now see Tompolo’s surveillance activities as a direct threat to their interests, leading to ongoing attacks and criticisms against the contract.
