The Ijaw Youths Network, IYN, through its Coordinator and Secretary, Frank Ebikabo and Federal Ebiaridor, respectively, has urged the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Mele Kyari, to ignore threats from "a group of disgruntled militants" over the re-award of the pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services Limited for another three years.

The IYN made the remark in a statement it released on Sunday, October 16, 2023, wherein it commended President Bola Tinubu administration for the display of "uncommon leadership in the pursuit of the collective good of Nigeria".

The IYN said that the renewal of the contract, desspite the massive campaign against the company [Tantita], clearly showed that the President is determined to strengthen the fight against the oil thieves who have held down this country’s economy down for years.

“The Ijaw Youth Network commends President Bola Tinubu and his team for the renewal of the pipeline protection contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Limited.

“We in the IYN who have monitored the dedication of the Tantita team to the fight against the unprecedented theft of the nation’s resources believe that this President is ready to confront headlong the deadly cabal of oil thieves in Nigeria.

“By this decision, coming especially in the face of the sustained blackmail and pressure put up by detractors working for wealthy and highly influential oil thieves, the President and his government has shown that commendable dedication to the cause of Nigerians. We commend him," the statement reads.

Continuing, the group stated that “The IYN also has a word of encouragement for the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Mallam Mele Kyari who has been dispassionate in facing the challenge of oil theft in Nigeria.

“We urge him to ignore some disgruntled elements who have besieged the media space to blackmail him. Kyari has done the right thing by recommending the contract for renewal in view of the massive successes recorded by Tantita," the IYN assured.

They further called on the Department of State Services to look into the threats being made by the group of disgruntled elements to the NNPCL GCEO and the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Sen Heineken Lokpobri "over this issue of a renewed contract that went through the normal procedure for contract award and renewal," the IYN stated.

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