By UGHELLI, DELTA STATE – President Generals of Urhobo communities and Coordinators of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited have, roundly, dismissed the call by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) urging President Bola Tinubu to revoke the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to the firm.
At a well-attended press conference held in Ughelli, which drew over 3,000 Tantita employees and community representatives, the stakeholders passed a vote of confidence on High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo), his management team, and the company’s performance in the region.
The high table at the press conference
Reading the communique on behalf of the group, Daniel Okpetsagha, President General of Ugborhen community, stated:
“As of today, Tantita employs over 3,500 Urhobo indigenes covering 88 Urhobo communities in 16 Urhobo kingdoms, making Tantita the highest employer of labour in Urhobo land.”
He emphasised the direct involvement of oil-bearing communities in the company’s surveillance operations: “Almost 4,000 Urhobo indigenes earn a monthly wage as Tantita operatives and coordinators. From Iwhremeragha to Unenurhie, from Kokori to Oguname-Olomu, from Ovwiamuge-Agbarho to Ugbomro, from Mosogar to Ibada-Elume to Arhavwarhien, Tantita is on the ground through Urhobo indigenes.”
Okpetsagha dismissed the UPU’s claims as a distortion of reality, questioning the authenticity of the so-called “General Assembly” that allegedly reached the decision to reject Tantita’s presence.
Members of TSSNL representing Urhobo communities at the press conference
“Can they provide the minutes of this meeting? Was there any notice or official documentation? This is a false narrative being peddled for selfish reasons,” he queried.
He also hailed Tantita’s role in curbing criminal activities associated with the oil and gas sector, saying: “For over two years, Tantita’s Urhobo coordinators and operatives have worked tirelessly to reduce vandalism, oil theft, illegal refining, and environmental degradation to the barest minimum. No single community has raised any complaint.”
Lending his voice, Chief Ukpebitere, President General of Evwreni community, cautioned against those attempting to sow discord within the Urhobo nation for selfish gains.
“No one should bring division between the Urhobo Nation and Tantita Security Services Limited for personal greed and interest,” he warned.
“We urge all Urhobo sons and daughters to ignore such publications and continue to work harmoniously with Tantita for the peace and progress of our land.”
The gathering climaxed with the adoption of a motion for a vote of confidence in Tantita, Tompolo, Kestin Pondi, and Dr Paul Bebenimibo.
The motion, raised by the National President of the Urhobo Youth Council, Mr Godspower Enerho, was, unanimously, supported by the crowd.
In their final remarks, the leaders reiterated their unwavering support for Tantita Security Services, citing the company’s role in economic empowerment, security, and development across the Urhobo nation.
“Tantita has not only given our youths gainful employment, but has also restored dignity and purpose to many communities. We stand firmly behind its mission and vision,” the group declared.
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