Allegations against PINL, Okunbo Misleading, Says Group

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The Niger Delta Ambassadors for Good Governance (NDAGG) has dismissed allegations made by former militant leader, Alhaji Asari-Dokubo, against the Project Director of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), Dr Osahon Okunbo, describing them as mischievous, misleading and deliberate misinformation.

The group, in a statement signed by its President,  Zipamoh Moses, on behalf of its executive council and members, said it was joining other local groups and stakeholders in defending PINL and Okunbo against what it described as a misplaced public outburst driven by envy and personal gratification.

The controversy followed a viral video in which Asari-Dokubo alleged that PINL and its directors, alongside the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, receive N2.7 trillion annually from the federal government for oil pipeline surveillance.

But NDAGG said Asari-Dokubo’s attempt to portray Okunbo as an outsider who was not entitled to execute pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta was both intellectually dishonest and factually flawed.

“The leadership and members of the NDAGG have watched with deep concern and disappointment the recent inflammatory press statement issued by Alhaji Dokubo Asari.

“In his characteristic tirade, Dokubo Asari sought to vilify and cast aspersions on reputable leaders and contractors in the Niger Delta region, notably targeting Mr Osahon Okunbo, the head of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), over oil pipeline surveillance contracts.

“We find it necessary to set the record straight, correct the deliberate misinformation, and expose the blatant hypocrisy embedded in Dokubo Asari’s narrative,” the statement said.

The group maintained that Okunbo is a Niger Deltan and is entitled to execute contracts anywhere in Nigeria, rejecting the suggestion that his origin should disqualify him from participating in pipeline surveillance activities in the region.

“Osahon Okunbo is a Niger Deltan and entitled to execute contracts anywhere in Nigeria. Alhaji Dokubo Asari’s attempt to paint Osahon Okunbo as an outsider who is unentitled to pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta region is both intellectually dishonest and factually flawed,” NDAGG said.