Anti-pipeline vandalism crusaders in the Niger Delta have criticised the National Awareness Forum (NAF) for reportedly urging the Federal Government to cancel the crude oil pipeline surveillance contract managed by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
The campaigners, operating under the Anti-Pipeline Vandalisation/Oil Theft and Illegal Bunkering Task Force Group (APV-OTIBTFG), have additionally alleged that the NAF is backed by oil theft cabals engaged in the illicit pilfering of crude oil in the region.
In a communique issued to journalists after its emergency meeting convened by its Leader,  Comrade Fiawei Pathfinder, popularly known as ‘General’ Osama, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, at the weekend, the group condemned in strong terms the unwarranted call that the surveillance contract job be cancelled.
The communique read, in part: “Preliminary investigations have revealed that the purported NAF is a tool being used by oil theft cabals involved in the illicit theft of crude oil in the region.
“The call is unfounded, frivolous, baseless and false against a reputable and noble oil company. We are disappointed that some disgruntled, unscrupulous and criminal elements who have failed the country and Nigerians through their criminal actions over the years would descend so low to say that the officially awarded pipeline surveillance contract awarded to PINL should be terminated.
“While we condemn in totality the call made by this group calling for the cancellation of the pipeline surveillance contract, we unanimously and vehemently dismiss all unfounded and baseless allegations leveled against the management of the firm.
“We are really pained to see this in the media but we want to disabuse the minds of Nigerians that the allegations are fabricated lies from the figment of their poor imagination.
“The PINL is a company of international repute, which operates according to global best practices and this made the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to have confidence in PINL by awarding it the contract.
“We have also resolved to pass a vote of confidence in the management of PINL because of the remarkable and outstanding achievements they had made that resulted in the drastic reduction of criminal activities in the sector as the company diligently carries out its job with sophisticated strategies catalyzed by the use of modern technology.
“We also warn those behind the unfounded claims and their sponsors to desist from cheap blackmail which are signs that they are being frustrated from engaging in their illegal oil business.
“The PINL has succeeded in crumbling and frustrating these oil thieves and their sponsors. We implore Mr President to be wary of them. Also, the NNPCL led by Mr. Mele Kyari should not take them seriously because there is nothing to back up their tissue of lies.
“However, it is also imperative to point out and put the records straight that despite some minor incidents of damages as a result of acts of sabotage on some pipelines and oil theft being recorded in the months of December 2023 and January 2024 in some parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta states, they were not linked to PINL management’s failure or compromise”.
Recall that the crude oil pipeline surveillance contract was awarded the PINL, under the watch of the revered monarch, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, and Mr Osahon Okunbo, as the Managing Director/CEO of the firm.