Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a strong show of support, President Generals from Urhobo communities and Coordinators of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited have rejected a call by the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, for the Federal Government to terminate the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to ex-warlord Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.
Briefing newsmen in Ughelli, Delta State, where over 2,000 Tantita employees gathered, the Urhobo leaders passed a unanimous vote of confidence on the Tantita’s management, describing it as the largest employer of Urhobo youths in modern history.
Urhobo Youth Council National President, Mr. Godspower Enerho, spoke on behalf of all president generals from Urhobo communities.
Enerho emphasized that Tantita’s inclusive operational model allows oil-bearing communities to take ownership of pipeline surveillance, leading to a significant reduction in crude oil theft, vandalism, and environmental degradation.
“As of today, Tantita employs over 3,500 Urhobo indigenes across 88 communities in 16 kingdoms, making Tantita the highest employer of labour in Urhobo land,” the Urhobo youth leaders declared in a joint statement.
“Every single kilometre of pipeline traversing Urhobo land is protected 100% by Urhobo indigenes. Almost 4,000 youths are earning monthly wages through this initiative.”
The Urhobo youths pointed to communities such as Iwhremeragha, Kokori, Mosogar, Ugbomro, Arhavwarhien, and many others, where local operatives are actively securing national energy infrastructure in collaboration with Tantita.
“In Ijaw land, they provide the bulk of patrol teams; the same is true of the Itsekiri, Isoko, Kwale, and most certainly Urhobo communities. This is community-based security at work.”
Responding to UPU’s publication, which claimed a General Assembly of the Urhobo people resolved to reject Tantita’s contract, the coordinators challenged the legitimacy of the statement.
“We question the authenticity of such an assembly. Can they produce the minutes, notice, and date of the meeting? This is political entrepreneurship at its worst, one that threatens Urhobo unity.”
They warned that using socio-cultural groups as fronts for political or commercial gains was dangerous and violates the core values of the Urhobo nation.
“We will continue to uphold the values of the UPU Constitution: love, mutual understanding, brotherhood, and good neighborliness.”
They also cautioned against personal greed disrupting peaceful relations between Urhobo land and Tantita.
“No one should bring division between the Urhobo Nation and Tantita Security Services Limited for personal interest.”
The event concluded with a vote of confidence on the leadership of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Mr. Kestin Pondi, and Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, all of Tantita Security’s senior management.
