Ex-Agitators Leaders Fault Allegations Against Tompolo, Otuaro

The Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Leaders Forum (CND-EALF), has denounced recent false claims against High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

The group described the allegations circulated in a viral video as a smear campaign by corrupt individuals seeking to undermine their efforts in fighting oil theft, promoting job creation, and ensuring peace in the region.

In a statement yesterday signed by the chairman, Ibena Rufus Salvation and secretary, Elaye Slaboh, Salvation said that those behind these accusations are the same people who have profited from fraudulent contracts and corruption within the Amnesty Programme for years.

He commended Dr. Otuaro for cleaning up the PAP and ensuring that funds meant for ex-agitators are used for real empowerment, rather than being siphoned by corrupt individuals.

He also praised Tompolo’s security outfit, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), for its achievements in tackling oil theft since August 2022, significantly reducing crude oil losses and improving Nigeria’s economy.

According to him, Tantita has so far detected and stopped nearly 4,000 oil theft incidents, exposed over 700 illegal pipeline connections, identified close to 1,000 cases of stolen crude oil, shut down nearly 1,800 illegal refineries and destroyed over 3,000 illegal oil-related sites.

Salvation further stated that Tantita’s work has created thousands of jobs for youths, reduced crime, and helped clean up the environment by shutting down illegal refining operations that pollute rivers and farmlands.

He called on security agencies to investigate those behind the false accusations, warning that misinformation could destabilize the Niger Delta. He reaffirmed their support for Tompolo, Otuaro, and all others working to secure the region’s oil resources and promote economic growth.