A Coalition Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the auspices of Competent Governance Accountability and Civic Trust, Monday, strongly warned groups and individuals to desist from attacking High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (a.k.a Tompolo) and Tantita Security Services.
The warning was made by the Executive Director of the coalition, Comrade Godwin Erheriene in a statement, saying greed and ‘pull-him-down’ syndrome impeding the development of the Niger Delta region.
He accused some of the leadership of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) of engaging in the ‘pull-him-down’ syndrome, calling on the Union to desist from what he described as the destructive “pull-him-down” syndrome, saying, “Putting off another man’s candle does not make yours shine brighter, it only deepens the darkness around you.”
He also said, “It is important to acknowledge the immense role High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, played in bringing lasting peace to the Niger Delta.
“His courageous agitation before the Amnesty Programme granted on June 25, 2009 by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua contributed significantly to the region’s stability including in Urhobo land.
“Tompolo’s passion, love, and unwavering commitment led him to propose to the Federal Government his readiness to protect oil installations in parts of the Niger Delta an area covering approximately 30% of the total oil pipeline surveillance contract.
“Given his vast knowledge of the creeks and proven expertise, the Federal Government entrusted him with a portion of the surveillance work, previously handled by the late Capt. Hosa Okunbo and now been managed by the Olu of Itsekiri, Ogiame Atuwatse the second and other contractors.
“Since then, Tompolo, through Tantita Security Services, has ensured inclusiveness, extending opportunities to various ethnic groups across the region, including the Urhobo, Isoko and others.
“Ironically, some of the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) members are part of the beneficiaries of Tompolo surveillance contract. Such as Israel Akpodoro (aka Mayor of Urhobo), Jimmy Amo-Agege, and other UPU members, which will be too numerous to mention here.
“It is therefore hypocritical for other UPU members who are not beneficiaries to claim marginalization or exclusion because it’s not possible for everyone to benefit since the pipeline track did not pass through all the Urhobo communities.
“To those demanding inclusion in the surveillance contract, we ask: Do they possess the technical tools, physical energy, or operational capacity required for such task?
“Surveillance work is not an empowerment scheme. If it were, then the Ijaw National Congress, Itsekiri National Congress, Isoko leaders, Efik, Ibibio, and other groups across the Niger Delta would also demand “slots” for their members.”
According to him, “The bitter truth is, if some of these agitators had received the contract themselves, they would likely abandon the core responsibilities and simply collect funds without delivering results seeing it as just another “free money” opportunity. In contrast, Tantita Security Services has consistently delivered real results.”
Meanwhile, he (Erheriene) highlighted achievements of Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services.
“Since the emergence of Tantita Security Services, Nigeria’s crude oil production has risen from 1.3 million barrels per day (BPD) to 1.7 million BPD, with a target of hitting 2 million BPD. This improvement is a testament to Tompolo’s dedication and the professionalism of his team.
“Furthermore, Tantita has recorded numerous successes in curbing oil theft intercepting vessels attempting to illegally export Nigeria’s crude. It is no surprise, therefore, that those whose illegal operations have been crippled are now orchestrating attacks against him and his company”, he added.
The coalition leader on President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser, and top military officers to investigate such people who wants to halt the great work of Tompolo and his company.
“In the light of the above, we call on: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff; Chief of Naval Staff; Director General of the DSS to profile and investigate all those attempting to sabotage the excellent work being done by Tantita Security Services. Should there be any decline in Nigeria’s oil production due to their selfish and disruptive activities, they and their sponsors must be held accountable.
“This is not just about contracts it is about national security, economic survival, the future of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large”, he said.
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