Niger Delta activist Asari Dokubo has alleged that the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, along with other named individuals linked to pipeline surveillance, receives N2.7 trillion annually from contracts. Dokubo makes the claim in an online video while also defending Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over criticism tied to pipeline security work. He argues that if Tompolo receives less, other beneficiaries should also be questioned, and he suggests contracts should benefit the Niger Delta rather than outsiders.
The Olu of Warri rejects the allegation, with the monarch’s representative, Collins Edema (a sole representative to NNPC Ltd and its joint-venture partners), describing Dokubo’s claim as extraordinary and demanding documentary proof. Edema cautions that politically charged statements should not replace evidence, and calls for scrutiny of contracts, procurement records, approvals, performance reports and regulatory documents by relevant institutions if concerns exist. He also warns that inflammatory rhetoric could inflame ethnic tensions in the Niger Delta.
While outlets report the dispute as a public back-and-forth between Dokubo and the Olu’s side, both sides frame the issue around pipeline surveillance contracting and accountability, with the key disagreement centering on whether the N2.7tn figure is supported by verifiable records.
