The Coordinators of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) from the Itsekiri extraction in Delta State have condemned calls from some individuals seeking revocation of the firm’s contract.
The coordinators gave the condemnation at a media briefing held on Wednesday in Warri.
The statement of the briefing was jointly signed by coordinators of the various Itsekiri clusters.
The signatories were:
Mr Ebisam Fenemigho (Ubagboro), Mr Richard Arubi (Ugborodo), Mr Emmanuel Demeyin (Deghele), and Chief Roland Yomere (Omadino) and among others.
Flanked by hundreds of Tantita security personnel, the coordinators described the agitations as self-serving and capable of destabilising the existing peace in the Niger Delta.
They added that those behind the call did not represent the interest of the people but were driven by “selfish motives and personal gains”.
The coordinators warned that such actions were capable of creating acrimony and disorder in the Niger Delta region.
They maintained that the agitators lacked both the mandate and credibility to speak for the Niger Delta communities.
While appreciating President Bola Tinubu
for extending the Tantita’s contract, the coordinators said that the decision was a reflection of the federal government’s commitment to protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure.
They expressed support for the Chairman of Tantita, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, describing him as “the most capable and reliable leader” for the assignment.
“Tantita, under Tompolo’s leadership has recorded significant success in reducing oil theft, improving security across waterways, and restoring confidence in the oil sector.
“Tantita operates an inclusive structure that accommodates all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta, with community-based coordinators and contractors already engaged to ensure effective monitoring and accountability.
“The Itsekiri communities are adequately represented within the operational framework and our involvement reflects fairness and recognition of our role as key stakeholders in oil-producing areas,” they said.
The coordinators alleged that those calling for decentralisation or cancellation of the contract may have previously being involved in illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
“Such individuals are only seeking avenues to resume criminal activities that have been curtailed by Tantita’s operations.
“The pipeline surveillance contract is not a regional entitlement but a responsibility entrusted to a competent organisation based on performance and results,” they said.
The coordinator urged the critics to pursue legitimate opportunities
They, however, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Tantita in
the quest to safeguarding the nation’s oil and gas assets.