“Crowns or Cartels? Outrage Grows Over Monarchs’ Stand on Surveillance Contract”
By Passman Akpos
A fresh wave of controversy has erupted in the Niger Delta as activist Tamarakro Maku delivers a scathing rebuke of traditional rulers opposing the decentralization of the region’s lucrative pipeline surveillance contract, calling for urgent federal intervention to prevent escalating tensions.
In a strongly worded statement that has since gained traction across social media, Maku accused several Ijaw monarchs of abandoning their traditional role as custodians of unity and peace. She e argued that their public support for the current centralized pipeline surveillance arrangement reflects a troubling alignment with narrow interests rather than the collective welfare of their communities.
According to Maku, traditional institutions are expected to serve as neutral arbiters in times of conflict, yet their current stance risks deepening divisions in a region already grappling with economic hardship and environmental challenges.
She further alleged that some monarchs have failed to prioritize critical development needs, pointing to the lack of advocacy for essential infrastructure such as healthcare, education, and clean water. Instead, she claimed, there has been a pattern of silence on pressing community issues, raising questions about accountability and leadership.
The activist also made serious claims regarding the management of community resources, suggesting that funds meant for local development have been diverted for personal use, including overseas education for family members. While these allegations remain unverified, they have added fuel to an already heated debate.
Maku contrasted the monarchs’ position with that of pro-decentralization advocates, whom she described as individuals with a history of sacrifice during the Niger Delta struggle. She emphasized that many of these actors were once actively involved in resistance movements before accepting government amnesty, arguing that their experience gives them legitimacy in current discussions.
Challenging critics of decentralization, Maku questioned the basis of fears surrounding the proposal, insisting that opening up the contract would foster inclusivity and fairness rather than chaos. She urged stakeholders to focus on dialogue and cooperation instead of entrenching divisions.
Her criticism also extended to political leadership, including Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, whose comments on the issue she described as misplaced priorities. Maku argued that governance should focus more on pressing security and welfare concerns affecting ordinary citizens.
In a particularly emotional segment of her statement, she recalled the death of a young Niger Delta indigene, Patrick, lamenting what she described as the silence of traditional leaders at the time. She contrasted this with their current vocal opposition to decentralization, calling it “selective outrage.”
Turning to the federal level, Maku called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key national institutions, including the NNPC Limited and the Nigerian Senate, to act swiftly in reviewing and decentralizing the pipeline surveillance contract.
She also stressed the importance of security agencies such as the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Air Force in maintaining stability, warning that unresolved tensions could spiral into broader unrest.
Maku concluded with a stark warning that mishandling the issue could have far-reaching consequences for the Niger Delta, emphasizing that her advocacy is rooted in fairness, equity, and sustainable regional development rather than personal interest.
As debates intensify, the controversy underscores deeper questions about governance, resource control, and the evolving role of traditional leadership in modern Nigeria.
