A Niger Delta group, the Buckingham Palace Group, has condemned recent calls by some ex-agitators for the termination of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
The ex-agitators, under the banner of the Aggressive Niger Delta Freedom Fighters Forum, had accused PINL and the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, of marginalizing the youth and engaging in oil bunkering activities.
However, in a joint statement issued by its leaders, Kenny Amgbare and Festus Ederekumor, the Buckingham Palace Group described the allegations as baseless and self-serving. They emphasized that PINL operates transparently, employing local youths across communities, promoting skills acquisition programs, and maintaining regular stakeholder engagements.
Responding to the oil bunkering claims, the group clarified that PINL functions under strict federal supervision, with its core mandate focused on securing Nigeria’s vital pipeline infrastructure against vandalism and theft.
The group also dismissed allegations of forced renaming of communities, stressing that PINL has no authority or involvement in such matters.
Furthermore, the Buckingham Palace Group credited PINL’s operations with significantly improving oil production levels and reducing pipeline vandalism, which has translated into increased revenue for the Federal Government.
Reaffirming their support for Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited and the Olu of Warri, the group urged detractors to desist from making unfounded accusations capable of disrupting the progress being made in safeguarding the region’s oil assets.
