The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), has warned those allegedly spreading lies and slander against one of the most respected leaders in the Niger Delta region, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
A statement signed by the Vice President of MOSIEND, High Chief Thompson Fuoye Robert, the group condemned the rise of smear campaigns and unfounded accusations aimed at the Olu of Warri and PINL.
High Chief Fuoye, described the actions of the instigators as shameful and backward, especially after they benefitted from the Presidential Amnesty Programme and should be more dedicated to improving the Niger Delta.
His words “These unwarranted attacks are becoming unbearable, we will no longer stand by while a few misinformed individuals try to tarnish the names of respected leaders and institutions.
MOSIEND’s response is coming after a recent petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and public appeals from certain agitators asking that PINL leave “Ijaw territories” due to supposed contract violations.
High Chief Fuoye expressed deep disappointment at their desperate and petty activities, noting that some Ijaw individuals have made a habit of spreading falsehoods for their selfish benefit.
He further reiterated that smear campaigns against the Olu of Warri and PINL will not be accepted any longer.
“Let it be known that the Olu of Warri and the owners of PINL are true sons of the Niger Delta, they have every constitutional and moral right to operate anywhere in the region. Their presence should not be politicized or tribalized.
He commended PINL for consistently been the most effective pipeline surveillance company in the region, highlighting its ongoing record in pipeline security, transparency, and community involvement.
“PINL is the only surveillance company that holds monthly meetings with stakeholders in all operational areas. Community concerns are not just heard, but are acted upon.
The company pays salaries on time, delivers real results, and has earned the total trust of its client, NNPC Limited.
”High Chief Fuoye linked the increasing resentment toward the company to jealousy and frustration, urging critics to focus on creating legitimate businesses instead of trying to undermine those making positive impacts.
“Pipeline security is fundamentally a community-based operation. If a company is not doing well, the local communities directly impacted should speak out, and not former agitators, youth leaders, or outsiders with no stake in the affected areas.
“No single person or ethnic group, owns the Niger Delta. It belongs to all of us. Any company especially one run by Niger Deltans has the right to operate anywhere in the region, as long as it does so lawfully and respectfully.
MOSIEND maintained that they will not remain silent while the Ijaw nation is pulled into unnecessary conflict or used in petty rivalries to incite division and unrest.
“Enough is enough. We will defend the integrity of our leaders and allies. The time for mischief and disunity is over.
