Briga News Nigeria
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, as a foremost socio-cultural and advocacy organization representing the interests of the Ijaw people and the broader Niger Delta region, deems it necessary to address recent developments and narratives surrounding the Pipeline Surveillance Security Contract in the Niger Delta.
We state unequivocally that no individual or group should be allowed to distract or undermine the good works and measurable achievements recorded by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in the ongoing fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism. The Council urges the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to remain steadfast and not fall for the gimmicks and orchestrated campaigns of those who neither mean well for the nation nor possess the capacity to safeguard critical oil and gas infrastructure.
Before the engagement of High Chief (Dr) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and the subsequent involvement of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in the Pipeline Surveillance Security Contract, Nigeria’s economy was bleeding profusely due to unprecedented levels of crude oil theft, illegal refining, and pipeline sabotage. The situation had reached a critical point, threatening national revenue and the Nigerian economy was wobbling.
However, with the strategic intervention of Tantita under the leadership of Tompolo, there has been a remarkable turnaround. Oil theft has significantly reduced, production levels have improved, and confidence in the security of oil and gas assets has been restored. These achievements are not speculative; they are evident and verifiable.
The pipeline surveillance contract under the chairmanship of Tompolo has been notably benevolent, inclusive, and magnanimous. It has successfully carried along stakeholders across the Niger Delta region, cutting across ethnic, community, and state lines. Thousands of Niger Deltans have been gainfully employed, thereby reducing restiveness and promoting peace in the region.
It is important to emphasize that the capacity, experience, and grassroots intelligence network of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited cannot be rivaled. Having Tompolo oversee the protection of oil and gas facilities remains a strategic advantage and a blessing to the Federal Government. Any attempt to tamper with this arrangement without due consideration of its successes may lead to avoidable setbacks.
The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide wishes to categorically state that the calls for the decentralization of the Pipeline Surveillance Security Contract from Tantita are neither genuine nor patriotic. Rather, they are calculated attempts to derail the progress already made and to reintroduce instability into the system. We further advise those agitating for such unnecessary decentralization to channel their energies into other productive ventures, as there are numerous opportunities and sectors within the Nigerian economy where they can legitimately contribute. They should seek areas where they can key in meaningfully, rather than distracting Nigerians with baseless and self-serving demands that do not advance national interest.
It must also be placed on record that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited is not the only company handling pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta. However, its coordination structure already reflects inclusivity, as individuals from various states and communities are actively engaged in the protection of pipelines under its framework. Therefore, the so-called agitation for inclusion is both misleading and unnecessary, as Tantita has been implementing this model since the inception of the contract.
Furthermore, one of the most significant developments in the Niger Delta in recent years is the emergence of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. Its impact goes beyond pipeline protection. The company has contributed immensely to peace-building, the restoration of aquatic life through reduced oil spills, and the economic empowerment of thousands of youths through direct and indirect employment.
The Council strongly believes that, by now, the Federal Government should be considering the expansion and institutionalization of the pipeline surveillance contract with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited on a more permanent basis. The company has proven itself to be tested, trusted, and results-driven.
In light of the foregoing, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide hereby passes a resounding vote of confidence on Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and its leadership. We affirm that Tantita has operated responsibly over the years and remains a tested and trusted company with a proven track record of excellence. We express our full satisfaction with its operations, particularly in combating oil theft, fostering peace in the Niger Delta, restoring aquatic life, and empowering local communities. Its contributions to national economic stability and regional development are undeniable.
We reiterate that Tompolo remains the best man for this critical assignment, and his leadership continues to deliver tangible results. Let it be clearly stated that stakeholders across the Niger Delta are adequately carried along, and any contrary narrative should be disregarded.
We therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to remain focused, protect the integrity of the existing framework, and resist any pressure that may jeopardize the progress recorded so far.
We also use this medium to call on all Niger Delta leaders, stakeholders, youths, and community actors to work together in unity and mutual understanding for the collective good of the region. This is not a time for division, but a time for collaboration and consolidation. The unity of Ijaw leaders remains the panacea for sustainable development, peace, and long-term prosperity in the Niger Delta, and must be upheld above all sectional interests. High Chief (Dr) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) should be supported in his efforts to sustain peace, protect critical national assets, and advance the socio-economic stability of the region.
In conclusion, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide makes it abundantly clear that any individual or group criticizing Tompolo and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, despite the enormous sacrifices and contributions made toward national stability and economic recovery, is acting on their own accord. Such actions neither reflect the collective will nor carry the mandate of the Ijaw people or the broader Niger Delta region.
The unity, stability, and economic prosperity of Nigeria must not be sacrificed on the altar of unpatriotic schemes.
Signed:
Amb (Dr) Binebai Yerin Princewill
Spokesman
Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide
