The Warri Indigenous Peoples Movement (WIPM) has called on the federal government to take strong and immediate measures to dismantle the extensive crude oil theft syndicates operating within the Niger Delta region.
They emphasized the need for fair and just treatment of the Itsekiri ethnic group, whose ancestral lands are home to some of Nigeria’s most vital oil reserves.
This statement was issued as WIPM distanced itself from a recent protest held at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Towers in Abuja, where certain Niger Delta factions demanded the removal of the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bayo Ojulari.
During a counter-demonstration, Comrade Monoyo Edon, WIPM’s General Secretary, clarified that the Itsekiri people were not participants in the anti-Ojulari rally and reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful dialogue and constructive collaboration with both the Federal Government and NNPCL.
“We categorically state that the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality is not involved in any agitation or campaign aimed at ousting Engr. Bayo Ojulari,” Edon asserted.
He added, “Our priority is to promote unity and development, not discord, while addressing the genuine challenges confronting our communities.”
Edon highlighted that the Itsekiri, recognized as one of Nigeria’s oldest and most influential oil-producing groups, are primarily focused on halting the rampant exploitation of national resources through illegal oil bunkering.
He urged all relevant parties to seek reforms through lawful, transparent channels that would foster lasting peace in the Niger Delta.
“Any concerns regarding previous NNPCL policies or decisions should be handled through proper oversight mechanisms and due process. Calls for reviews or investigations must be responsibly directed to the appropriate government bodies,” he emphasized.
At the same event, Hon. Kingsley Tenumah, WIPM Chairman, appealed to the Federal Government to concentrate efforts on dismantling the powerful oil theft cartels operating offshore, rather than focusing solely on small-scale operators in the creeks.
“We urge the authorities to target the major oil thieves operating on the high seas, not just the minor jerrycan operators. Large quantities of stolen Nigerian crude are being shipped out of the country daily,” Tenumah stated.
He also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to broaden its investigations beyond refinery turnaround expenditures to uncover how these criminal networks continue to operate with such boldness.
Tenumah underscored the Itsekiri people’s longstanding and significant contribution to Nigeria’s oil wealth, insisting that federal policies on resource allocation, employment, and contracts must reflect this reality.
“The Itsekiri ethnic group currently accounts for over 33 percent of Nigeria’s total oil revenue. More than 70 oil flow stations on our land produce substantial volumes of crude. Our demand is for NNPCL to treat us equitably. Job and contract allocations must be made in accordance with the law and our rightful share,” he declared.
He further stressed that while every ethnic group deserves fair treatment, it is unacceptable for others to use violence or intimidation to claim what rightfully belongs to the Itsekiri people.
“Others may receive their due, but our resources should not be taken away simply because some groups wield a monopoly on violence. If this trend continues, Nigeria risks descending into chaos,” Tenumah warned.
Chief Priest Roland Oti-Yomere of the Omadino community in Warri South Local Government Area urged the Federal Government and NNPCL to honor court judgments and documented land ownership in disputes over oil-rich territories, cautioning that ignoring these rulings could escalate communal conflicts.
“We possess legitimate land titles and documentation, with some cases already settled by the Supreme Court. Land claims without proper legal foundation are unacceptable,” Oti-Yomere stated.
He commended Ojulari’s resolve to combat illegal bunkering and pledged his community’s full support for these efforts, describing them as crucial for restoring order and transparency in the oil sector.
“Our primary concern is eradicating illegal bunkering in the creeks. We stand firmly behind Engr. Ojulari’s commitment to ending this menace and call on authorities to take decisive action against offenders,” he said.
Oti-Yomere also appealed for pipeline surveillance contracts to be allocated fairly among ethnic groups based on their oil production contributions, to maintain balance and prevent disputes.
The WIPM reiterated its endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms will lead to a more transparent and equitable oil and gas industry benefiting both the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
