Niger Delta ex-militants, alongside key regional stakeholders, have rejected calls to decentralise the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), describing such moves as premature and potentially harmful to national security.

The position was contained in a communiqué issued after a meeting of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Critical Stakeholders Forum (CSF), and the Foundation for Heritage Advancement and Development in the Niger Delta (FHADND) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The stakeholders warned that any attempt to alter the current operational framework under the leadership of Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, could undermine the gains recorded in curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region.

They commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the contract renewal, noting that the decision reflects the wishes of the majority of Niger Delta stakeholders and residents who have benefited from improved security.

The group also lauded the National Assembly for passing a vote of confidence in Tantita’s operations and Tompolo’s leadership.

Signatories to the communiqué include the BoT Chairman, Reuben Clifford Wilson; First Phase Ex-Militant Leaders, Ezekiel Akpasibewei; the Executive Director, FHADND, Francis Waiwei; the BoT Secretary,  Nature Dumale Kieghe, and representatives from various Niger Delta states.

The stakeholders recalled that prior to Tantita’s engagement, the Niger Delta was plagued by rampant oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and environmental degradation.

They noted that since the firm commenced operations, these activities have significantly reduced due to improved coordination, enhanced local intelligence, and heightened surveillance.

The group cautioned that decentralising the contract could lead to operational confusion, rivalry among multiple actors, weakened accountability, and security lapses that could be exploited by criminal elements.

ALSO, following Wednesday’s vote of confidence passed on Tantita Security Services Limited by the National Assembly, traditional rulers and community leaders in the Niger Delta have called for sustained support for the company in safeguarding oil and gas pipelines.

They noted that the company’s involvement in pipeline protection has brought noticeable improvements to oil-bearing communities.

Speaking on the development, the Ovie of Great Idjerhe Kingdom in Delta State and Chairman of the Host Communities Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (HOSCON), His Majesty King Monday Obukohwo Whiskey, described the vote of confidence as a welcome development that reinforces trust in Tantita’s operations.

According to him, while there is always room for improvement, criticism should not be driven by blackmail or media propaganda.

MEANWHILE, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, has commended the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the sustained peace and development in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria.

Otuaro described Tompolo as a foremost Niger Delta freedom fighter, a patriot, and a distinguished son of Nigeria, the region, and the Ijaw nation.

According to him, Tompolo’s contributions to peace, security, stability, and development of the region and Nigeria are remarkable and impactful.

Otuaro, while congratulating him on his 55th birthday, described Tompolo as not only a community builder but also a compassionate and humane leader whose philanthropic gestures have touched lives and communities across the region and the nation.