The Northern Youth Council has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government or its agent to revoke the N4 billion pipeline surveillance contract awarded to ex-Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
The group also called for the sack of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva over the award of the country.
The NYC noted that the contract was uncalled for, adding that the regime was promoting militancy with the move.
In a statement on Sunday by the group’s spokesperson, Matazu Yusuf, the council said it would mobilise Northern youths across the country for a massive protest as well as take legal action if the government does not act after the expiration of the given ultimatum.
It partly read, ” We are issuing a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government or its agent to revoke the N4 billion pipeline surveillance contract awarded to ex-Niger Delta militant, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
A few years ago, Tompolo was declared wanted by the government and today was awarded a contract. This is not reasonable. With this development the amnesty deal by late former President Musa Yaradua aimed at reducing unrest in the oil region is on the verge of destruction by this development.
The government should rather hire the services of Joints Task Force instead of a militant without a clear modus operandi,
We also called for the sack of the Minister of State for Petroleum over the award of the contract.
“If after the given ultimatum, no action is taken, we will mobilise over 20,000 northern youths for a massive protest and afterward challenge the decision in court. ”
Yusuf also accused the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, of allegedly playing the ethnic card by surrendering the surveillance of the nation’s critical infrastructure to militants.
He noted that the group has submitted a protest letter to President Buhari.