Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has lauded ex-Niger Delta warlord, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and his firm, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, over what he described as “strategic expertise in protecting critical national assets,” which he said has significantly increased Nigeria’s oil and gas revenues.
Otuaro stated that Tantita Security has provided over 30,000 direct jobs to individuals from the Niger Delta, helping curb illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
The Presidential Amnesty boss said these when a delegation from the Niger Delta Peace and Stability Forum, led by Godfrey Pondi, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
“The security expertise efficiently demonstrated by Tantita in the discharge of its onerous task has been responsible for the increase in oil and gas revenues. The achievements of this foremost private security firm are huge.
“This is a company that has employed over 30,000 direct employees—not ghost workers, but physical human beings. All they are doing is protecting critical government infrastructure, which is why we, too, are engaging our people who have laid down their arms and are beneficiaries of the amnesty programme.”
Otuaro reaffirmed his commitment to sustainable peace and economic empowerment in the Niger Delta, emphasizing that PAP has moved beyond monthly stipends and is now focused on reintegration and rehabilitation.
“Most times, our people confuse this programme, thinking it’s all about stipends. But stipend is just an allowance—it was meant as a transit allowance, and that transition period is over. We are now facing reintegration and rehabilitation. And it’s not just for those who dropped arms. All of us in the Niger Delta are victims, including our mothers. It’s time to rebuild the region.”
He highlighted ongoing efforts to expand vocational training, support small businesses, and enhance economic opportunities for women, stressing that long-term development, not handouts, would create lasting change in the region.
The leader of the Niger Delta Peace and Stability Forum, Godfrey Pondi, expressed confidence in Otuaro’s leadership, commending his recent deployment of 2,500 PAP scholarship students for the 2024/2025 academic session.
However, Pondi warned of the urgent need for renewed disarmament, stating that there are more weapons in circulation in the Niger Delta today than those collected after the Federal Government’s amnesty proclamation.
“We have remained dedicated to securing the Niger Delta even without direct engagement with the PAP Office. Our priority has always been peace, stability, and the protection of our people. The struggle has evolved, and while we have achieved peace, there is still work to be done.”
Otuaro also commended members of the Niger Delta Peace and Stability Forum for working selflessly behind the scenes to maintain peace in the region.
“Let me also say this: If anything happens in the Niger Delta today, and you have the contact of the Niger Delta Peace and Stability Forum, they will help. They have been working selflessly—it’s their calling, and we need to appreciate all of them,” Otuaro said.
The PAP boss emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between security agencies, community leaders, and development partners, urging stakeholders to remain actively engaged in peace-building efforts.
“This journey is far from over. Together, we will build a peaceful, stable, and economically empowered Niger Delta,” Otuaro assured.
