By Labofa Ukuta Ogoba
Against the background of Airtel(Telecommunications Company) distribution Mast intent to deny indigenous contractor of diesel supply and awarding the contract non-indegenous contractor,Ijaw Youths under the aegis of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) have shut down Airtel (a telecommunications company) distribution Mast in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital recently to drive home their demands.
In chat with newsmen at the site of the Distribution Mast in Biogbolo, Ambassador Douyi Tonworimi Duere, Special Assistant on Oil and Gas/Employment Generation to the President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Worldwide said the protest was to demand for the reinstatement of an indigenous contractor, Dennison Systems Solution Limited as the contractor for the diesel supply to Airtel Nigeria in Bayelsa State.
Douyi said, as a group, the IYC will not fold its arm and see an indigenous company being short-changed and replaced in a contract of this sort with a non-indegenous one in Bayelsa State.According to IYC, it is in support of local content and hence as a group, it has resolved to advocate for the privilege of their fellow ijaw by way of the contract to be restored.
Comr. Douyi described the appointment of a non- indegenous contractor as inappropriate and urged Airtel in collaboration with ATC Nigeria to ensure the reinstatement of the contract of Dennison System Solution Limited (A Bayelsa Indigenous Contractor).The IYC President’s Special Assistant on employment generation/oil and Gas affirmed that the IYC is law abiding and peaceful group adding that in solidarity with the Biogbolo Epie Youths, it will ensure a peaceful protest void of looting.
Comrade Ben Karibo Wunukizibe,Youth President, Biogbolo Community in alliance with the IYC said,the Youths of the Community are against the appointment of a Non- Indigenous company for the contract of Diesel supply in the facilities of Airtel in the State.He also urged Airtel to reinstate the contract of Denison System Solution Limited or its facilities will be shut down indefinitely.