25/07/2025
BUCKINGHAM PALACE GROUP CONDEMNS FALSE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST PIPELINE INFRASTRUCTURE NIGERIA LTD (PINL) AND HIS MAJESTY ÒGÍAMẸ̀ ATUWATSÉ III CFR, THE OLU OF WARRI
The Buckingham Palace Group, a respected voice for peace and development in the Niger Delta, has received with great concern a series of baseless and inflammatory allegations circulated by a self-styled group known as the Aggrieved Freedom Fighters. These allegations targeting Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd - PINL and His Majesty Ògíamẹ̀ Atuwatsé III CFR, the revered Olu of Warri, are not a calculated attempt to stir ethnic discord, malign reputations, and disrupt peaceful development efforts in the Niger Delta. We state in clear and unequivocal terms that these allegations are riddled with falsehoods, deliberate misinformation, and a clear intent to incite ethnic tensions and undermine the relative peace and economic collaboration in the region. We state our strong condemnation of these malicious fabrications, and we respond to each allegation as follows:
1. MARGINALIZATION OF HOST COMMUNITY YOUTHS, LEADERS, AND STAKEHOLDERS
This allegation is entirely unfounded as PINL operates under a strict community engagement policy that emphasizes inclusiveness, equity, and local content. PINL maintains active engagements with host communities, which include employment for all host community youths, capacity building initiatives, skills acquisition programs, and regular consultations with community leaders and stakeholders. Evidence of such inclusivity is publicly available and has been acknowledged and reported by independent observers and local media alike.
2. RAMPANT BUNKERING ALLEGATIONS
PINL is a pipeline security and surveillance company whose mandate is to safeguard oil and gas assets from vandalism, sabotage, and oil theft. This company works in close collaboration with security agencies and regulatory bodies to combat crude oil theft and bunkering. Any insinuation that PINL is complicit in or responsible for bunkering is not only false but libelous. We challenge the petitioners to provide a single shred of verifiable evidence to support these false claims.
3. SPONSORSHIP OF CONFLICTS IN THE NIGER DELTA
PINL has zero tolerance for violence or the destabilization of communities. The company has invested significant resources in peace-building and conflict-resolution efforts across the Niger Delta. As a responsible corporate entity, PINL promotes peaceful dialogue and has often served as a neutral facilitator between disputing communities. The allegation that PINL sponsors conflict is both reckless and defamatory.
4. FORCIBLE RENAMING OF IJAW COMMUNITIES
This is a dangerous and inaccurate narrative designed to stoke ethnic resentment. Neither PINL nor His Majesty Ògíamẹ̀ Atuwatsé III CFR has the power, authority, or intention to rename any Ijaw community. PINL has been part of maintaining and respecting an inclusive approach to all ethnic nationalities within and around the Niger Delta. The accusation is politically motivated and ethnically divisive and must be disregarded in its entirety. We categorically reject this provocative and ethnically charged falsehood.
5. TERRITORIAL CLAIMS OVER IJAW LAND
PINL is a private sector operator with no jurisdiction over land demarcation or traditional boundaries. Territorial matters are addressed through legal and governmental frameworks, not by private companies or traditional rulers. This is grossly misleading and inflammatory to suggest that PINL is making territorial claims over Ijawland. PINL operations are licensed, regulated, and geographically defined by the relevant Federal Government authorities. PINL has no territorial or political authority.
OUR POSITION
We urge the public to disregard the baseless petition by the so-called Aggrieved Freedom Fighters, whose motive appears to be rooted in personal gains, political manipulation, and incitement to ethnic hostility. We must not allow such elements to derail the hard-earned peace and developmental progress currently enjoyed in the region. The Buckingham Palace Group reaffirms its support for PINL and His Majesty Ògíamẹ̀ Atuwatsé III CFR, whose leadership and corporate governance have brought dignity, development, and stability to their respective spheres of influence. We call on all Niger Delta stakeholders, traditional institutions, youth groups, and civil society to remain vigilant and reject all attempts to divide our communities through lies and propaganda.
Signed
HON. KENNY AMGBARE
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
HON. FESTUS EDEREKUMOR
VICE PRESIDENT
