Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), a pipeline surveillance firm in the Niger Delta region, has dismissed suggestions of its involvement in the recent shutdown of the Ogidigben oil facility in Ugborodo, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
This follows remarks by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, the chairman of the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited insisting that the Ogidigben oil facility is under the operational scope of PINL and therefore linked to the recent crisis rocking the facility.
But in a swift reaction, the PINL described the claims as baseless, misleading and a deliberate attempt to drag the company into issues far outside its operational jurisdiction.
The company through a statement issued by its media consultant, Mr Ifetayo Adeniyi, on Thursday, clarified that its operational coverage does not extend to Ogidigben or any other part of Warri South-West.
“We are shocked at the blatant misinformation being peddled. Let it be known to all: PINL is not responsible for the Ogidigben facility.
“Our surveillance mandate covers specific territories of Rivers State, Bayelsa State, Imo State, and parts of Abia State. Ogidigben is nowhere near our operational theatre.
PINL slammed alleged attempts to politicise its name, especially in relation to community agitations over electoral matters.
“We are a professional infrastructure protection company, not a political tool,” the company declared.
It added that “the protest at Ogidigben, led by Itsekiri youths, concerns local political grievances with INEC. PINL has absolutely no stake or involvement in such matters.”
Warning against what it described as “cheap blackmail” and the “irresponsible dragging of reputable companies into local disputes,” PINL cautioned those peddling falsehood to desist.
“These wild claims are not only mischievous but a calculated attempt to tarnish our reputation. We will not tolerate it,” the statement continued.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its operations within its assigned corridors, warning that any further attempt to associate its name with incidents outside its operational areas would be met with legal action.
“Our track record speaks for itself. We operate within the law, and we are focused on our mandate. Let those trying to deflect attention from their own failures be properly guided,” the company state.
