The attendance included a cross-section of representatives from the three zones of the Ijaw Nation namely East, Central and West. After an exhaustive deliberation, the meeting resolves as follows:
1. The meeting resolved to commend the Federal Government for finding it worthy to award one of the surveillance contracts to a company in which one of our illustrious sons, in the person of High Chief Government Oweizidei Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) has interests.
2. That the meeting frowned at the wicked contrivance of some detractors of the Ijaw Nation and a section of the media, that have stoked confusion among the Ijaws by painting a false narrative, as if the company of which Tompolo has interest in was the sole awardee, when in actual fact, other companies with no Ijaw interests had the bigger awards.
3. The meeting also resolved to call on all those that have been goaded by the wrong narrative to express misgivings publicly to sheath their sword and provide the needed massive positive support for Tompolo and any other Ijaw interest now and tomorrow.
4. That this recent award of oil pipeline surveillance job in the Niger Delta, was to companies that bidded as highlighted by Mele Kyari, the current CEO of the NNPC. The CEO never minced words when he stated that they awarded one area each of the surveillance job to several individual companies and not to Tompolo, though that Tompolo has an interest in one of the companies.
5. That the illegal refining of crude oil popularly known as Kpo-fire or “laccasera” has been a torn in the flesh of our people and the economy and the desire to stop it is the basis for the award of this contract. However, the downright stoppage will constitute severe economic hardship on the perpetrators, hence the meeting suggests that the government should do the needful, by providing a civilized alternative like modular refineries, to secure their cooperation and prevent the crude and environmentally unfriendly approach.
6. That the meeting resolved to engage all aggrieved Ijaw sons and daughters to enlighten them on the benefits of gaining through united efforts.
7. That the meeting also observed that the result of the stoppage of kpo fire and protection of oil facilities, is an additional assignment that will yield increased revenue to the federal government, hence it resolved to demand for additional compensation through establishment of specific projects that will generate revenue and employment opportunities to the people of the Niger Delta.
8. That the meeting seriously frowned at the unguarded and provocative statements of the Arewa youths and warned them to desist from interfering in any issues concerning the Niger Delta.
9. That the meeting resolved to commend Tompolo for his fine efforts in securing this contract amidst fierce competition. Additionally, his special magnanimous effort of bringing all Niger Deltans to partake in the proceeds of the contract is also highly commendable.
10.In conclusion, the meeting resolved to encourage him to continue with his focus on the development of the Niger Delta and its people.
Signed:
Elder TK Ogoriba
Chief (Dr) Chris Ekiyor
Elder Tunde Anaye Kio
Elder Marshal Kunoun
Chf. Kalaiti Jephthah Obadiah 1
Elder Deo D. Kalsuo
Chief (General) Don Ben
Elder Tamuno Iyalla
Lady Ibiba Don Pedro
Lady Lolo FS Hailsham
