The apex Ijaw socio-cultural organization, the Ijaw National Congress, INC, has lauded the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, for its expertise performance in pipeline surveillance and security in the Niger Delta, which has resulted in the reduction of criminal activities and increased oil production in the region.
The president of INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, who commended the pipeline surveillance and security giant, yesterday, in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State capital, noted that PINL had displayed professionalism and unwavering dedication to securing key oil assets in the region under its watch.
Prof. Okaba, who is also president, Conference of Ethnic Nationalities of the Niger Delta, CENND, cautioned detractors of PINL, who he said were on smear campaigns against the firm with baseless allegations, urging them to desist from their falsehood forthwith.
He said: “PINL is up to its responsibilities of pipeline surveillance and security in the Niger Delta, they are doing a good job which has curtailed oil bunkering and pipeline vandalization in the region.
“I strongly condemn the baseless smear campaigns against PINL by disgruntled individuals and groups aimed at undermining its credibility and hinder its vital work for their personal gain. These allegations are nothing more than deliberate falsehood.
“The attempts made to discredit PINL and manipulate the government into revoking its mandate to protect our region’s critical oil infrastructure are evil, they are malicious tactics designed to create instability and uncertainty for selfish ends.
“Under PINL’s watch, there has been a significant reduction in illegal bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage. The increased stability has not only safeguarded critical oil infrastructure but has also led to a surge in oil production, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and creating thousands of jobs for Niger Delta youths.
“I call on the federal government to disregard this cheap blackmail as they are doing so for personal gain.
“However, I commend PINL for its display of expertise and dedication to securing critical oil assets, INC and CENND fully support PINL in its job and we urge the firm to remain steadfast and not be distracted”
(Vanguard)