Attacks on Chevron is condemnable _ Itsekiri chieftain

Chief Ayirimi Emami, a prominent Niger Delta development advocate and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, has condemned the recent sabotage of Chevron Nigeria Limited pipelines in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State. The pipelines, which transport natural gas and crude oil, were damaged last Friday by the Niger Delta Liberation Movement (NDLM).

In a statement he personally signed, Emami called the incident “unfortunate and unwarranted,” expressing disapproval of the NDLM’s actions and emphasizing that there was no valid reason for such destruction. He stressed that the Itsekiri people have lawful and civil ways to address grievances with Chevron and other oil companies operating on their land.

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The NDLM took responsibility for the attack, calling it part of its “Operation CHEVRON DRAGNET,” which targeted pipelines of various sizes early on November 22.

Emami urged security forces to identify and apprehend those responsible to prevent further attacks. He also called for support for the Federal Government’s efforts to increase crude oil production, praising President Bola Tinubu’s administration and urging all stakeholders in the Niger Delta to back the government’s initiatives.

Emami reiterated his commitment to peaceful dialogue and development in the Niger Delta, advocating for constructive engagement rather than destructive actions.

In a separate matter, Emami criticized the recent establishment of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee by the administration of Monday Okpebholo, aimed at investigating the previous government of His Excellency Godwin Obaseki. He described the probe as “laughable” and “ridiculous,” noting that Obaseki’s administration was globally recognized for its transparency, accountability, and prudent governance.

Emami dismissed the committee’s investigation as part of a series of unnecessary probes initiated by Okpebholo’s administration, accusing the governor of lacking vision and resorting to distractions to cover up his incompetence. He also warned that the people of Edo State are too wise to be deceived by such tactics, asserting that Okpebholo’s diversionary probes may work in other states but not in Edo.