Ex-Niger Delta Activist Calls Out Pipeline Contract Exclusion

Herbert Akaluogb, a former Niger Delta activist and one of the pioneers in the region's quest for resource control, voiced his discontent regarding his exclusion from pipeline surveillance contracts awarded to leaders of the Niger Delta struggle. Speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Akaluogb lamented that he and his group fought alongside ex-militant leader Asari Dokubo during the initial phase of the struggle but were not included in the federal government's amnesty programme or the recent contracts.

He emphasized that prominent leaders in the struggle, including Asari Dokubo, Ateke Tom, Fara Dagogo, Boyloaf, and High Chief Tompolo, are personally aware of his contributions. Akaluogb, who is now wheelchair-bound due to a spinal cord injury, expressed frustration that many beneficiaries of the contracts did not participate in the struggle.

He also mentioned his inability to attend a meeting called by High Chief Tompolo in Delta State due to his condition, which restricts access to Tompolo’s village via waterways.