Pipeline Contract: Bayelsa Gov Wades Into Tompolo, Asari, Ateke Clash

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has waded into the rift among ex-militant leaders over the multi-billion Naira pipeline surveillance contract awarded to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo last month.

Diri, who convened a meeting alongside leaders of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and other ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta, said they had resolved to work together to protect federal government facilities in the region.

He stated this at the weekend at the end of the meeting that was held at Government House, Yenagoa.

Tompolo, King Ateke Tom and Chief Dokubo Asari had representatives at the meeting.

A communique issued after the meeting said a five-man reconciliatory committee was constituted to interface with the various groups and individuals on the pipeline surveillance issue.

It called on the federal government to fast-track the realisation of the proposal for the establishment of modular refineries to put an end to illegal refineries and pollution of the environment.