Group Calls Aiteo’s Boss, Benedict Peter “Blackmailer” Over Allegations Against JTF Boss

Mr. Benedict Peters

The group, Niger Delta Oil and Gas Monitoring Group (NDO&GMP) has lampooned Benedict Peters, the Chief Executive Officer of Aiteo Energy, operators of Nember Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) over alleged accusations against the Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman.

Benedict Peters had been enmeshed in a recent media war with the JTF boss over the N1.192 billion pipeline protection deal the company claimed they had with JTF over a period of three years.

This is coming following accusation by JTF boss that the Chief Executive of Aiteo was behind the protest in Abuja in which youths from the Niger Delta region call for his removal.

However, in a statement exonerating that JTF boss of the allegation, the group claimed that Aiteo chief was attempting to frustrate the successful reduction of oil theft by allegedly blackmailing the JTF Commander and his operatives.

Signed by its National Coordinator, Biukeme Pereteibo and Secretary, Tolaifa Government, the group accused Aiteo Management and its Chief Executive Officer, of alleged move to scuttle the relative peace being enjoyed in the Niger Delta region for selfish benefits.

NDO&GMP in its reaction to the development angrilly accused Aiteo and its Chief Executive Officer of being behind the protest and wondered where the said protesters got money to hire buses and print glossy barners for the protest if not from Mr. Benedict Peters that have the resources to fund such project.

The group also said it had earlier before now reported the illegal activities of the oil company to JTF noting that Aiteo is noted for various shaddy deals in its operations.

It noted that it is obvious in Aiteo’s reactions, as published by various national newspapers on Tuesday that the company has an aim which is to remove the JTF Boss by all means.

“We are aware that Aiteo has been engaged in illegal activities, including oil bunkering. we reported our observations to the JTF. It is the efforts of the security outfit to curb the activities of this company that makes it to react this way by sponsoring the protest.

“Is it only Aiteo that is operating in the Niger Delta? If Admiral Apochi is involved in illegal oil bunkering as alleged by Aiteo, why are other IOCs not also complaining? The JTF Boss is supervising other security agencies like Army, Navy, Airforce, Police, NSCDC and DSS, why are these agencies not reporting to their offices for action?”, it asked.

The group appealed to the media not to allow themselves to be used by Aiteo management and others to thwart the good job JTF is doing in the region.

“The oil theives have a lot of money to throw around to thwart any process that will disturb their illegal operations. So, we appeal to the media to be wary of those coming to them with phantom allegations. please do your investigations properly before any further publications so as not to discourage those trying to change things around for good”, it pleaded.

NDO&GMP also urged the Defence Headquarters to wade in and investigate the activities of Aiteo and save the Niger Delta region from another crisis.