Ijaw National Congress Urges Calm in Tantita Pipeline Contract Dispute, Calls for Peaceful Resolution

By Joseph Bienbo, Warri

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called for an end to public attacks and urged stakeholders to engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve the dispute over the Tantita Security Pipeline Surveillance Contract.

At a joint press conference held in Warri on Thursday, INC Central and Western Zones Chairmen, HRH Amb. Moses Theophilus Kenibara and Barr. Preye Nuel Kuete, condemned the actions of some Ijaw leaders, describing them as embarrassing and damaging to the Ijaw nation’s reputation.

Kenibara, the Amadabo of Moko-Ama, highlighted the numerous opportunities available in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, including crude oil lifting, pipeline laying, and maintenance. He advised those agitating for decentralization to explore these opportunities rather than targeting Tantita, labeling their actions as jealous and misguided.

Kuete echoed Kenibara’s sentiments, urging aggrieved parties to seek resolution through INC and the Council of Ijaw Traditional Authorities (CITA) rather than going public. He emphasized the need for peace in the Niger Delta to attract development and noted that Tompolo, the leader of Tantita, is a peacemaker who is open to dialogue.

The INC leaders appealed to stakeholders to prioritize the Ijaw nation’s interests and work towards a peaceful resolution, focusing on key issues like resource control, job opportunities, and ownership of oil wells.