Chief Ayirimi Emami, a prominent advocate for development in the Niger Delta and a leading figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has voiced strong condemnation regarding the recent vandalism of Chevron Nigeria Limited pipelines in the Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State. The incident, which occurred last Friday, involved a group called the Niger Delta Liberation Movement (NDLM) who claimed responsibility for the attack. Emami characterized this act as “unfortunate and unwarranted,” demonstrating his disapproval of the NDLM’s destructive actions. He asserted that such vandalism is unjustifiable and underscored the importance of lawful means for addressing any grievances the Itsekiri people may have with Chevron and other oil companies operating within their region.
Emami articulated that there are civil and legal avenues for the Itsekiri community to engage with Chevron, indicating a preference for dialogue over aggression. The NDLM had framed the pipeline attacks as part of their declared operation named “Operation CHEVRON DRAGNET,” targeting various pipelines used for the transport of natural gas and crude oil. Emami’s condemnation serves as a call for accountability, urging the relevant security agencies to effectively identify and apprehend those responsible for the vandalism. He emphasized the need for preventive measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future, highlighting the ongoing issues of security and stability in the Niger Delta region exacerbated by these acts of sabotage.
In his statement, Emami also underscored the critical nature of unity among stakeholders in the Niger Delta and the importance of supporting the Federal Government’s initiatives aimed at increasing crude oil production in Nigeria. He pointed out that the impact of pipeline vandalism extends beyond immediate damages and affects national interests, particularly in light of the efforts made under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Emami’s encouragement for collective support reaffirms his dedication to the development and progress of the Niger Delta, advocating for collaboration rather than discord among community leaders and government entities.
Further emphasizing his commitment to peaceful resolution and constructive discourse, Emami positioned himself as an advocate for development rather than destruction, urging the NDLM and similar groups to engage in dialogue. He asserted that the path to addressing grievances lies in finding common ground and cooperating with authorities to tackle the systemic issues present in the region, such as unemployment and environmental degradation caused by oil exploration. By advocating for peaceful methods of confrontation, Emami hopes to foster a more stable and prosperous environment, aligning with the aspirations of the Itsekiri people for sustainable development and responsible management of their resources.
The calls for unity and commitment to peace expressed by Emami reflect the broader necessity for effective communication and collaboration within the Niger Delta. The historical context of host community grievances against oil companies cannot be overlooked, yet Emami’s perspective stresses that addressing these grievances through lawful means can yield better long-term outcomes. Infrastructure sabotage only serves to further entrench economic hardships and perpetuate cycles of violence and distrust, which hinder any advancements in community development and engagement.
In conclusion, Chief Ayirimi Emami stands firm in his position against the recent pipeline vandalism, advocating for peaceful resolutions and constructive engagements in the Niger Delta. His stance not only highlights the importance of lawful methods for expressing dissatisfaction but also calls on all stakeholders to unite in supporting the government’s efforts to enhance oil production. Emami’s leadership is a vital reminder of the potential for dialogue and cooperation to pave the way for meaningful development in the Niger Delta, encouraging all Nigerian communities to transcend destructive actions in favor of collaborative progress.
