The Northern Youth Progressive Network (NYPN) has said it is important to base discussions on accurate information, verifiable facts, and valid evidence on the recent outburst by a certain faceless group, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the landmark pipeline surveillance contract awarded to a reputable Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
It said the group had labelled Tantita’s founder, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo AKA Tompolo as an ex- militant with questionable character, branding him and his company as non state actors.
The Convener of NYPNComrade Bala Mohammed, in a press statement said the allegations is weity, false, scandalous and a calculated attempt by enemies of the State to undermine the peace process gradually returning to the once volatile oil industry in Nigeria before the engagement of Tantita Security outfit.
“To state that Government decision to engage Tantita would compromise national security and empower the group to arm themselves, perpetuate violence and instability in the region is rather unfortunate.
“It is on record that Tompolo is not just a patriotic Nigerian but a human rights activist and advocate of the emancipation of the minority.
It is equally falacious to state that entrusting pipeline security to Tantita Security outfit undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and international reputation, particularly within OPEC. This is because the activities of the organisation has rather enhanced the nation’s crude oil production from barely 500,000 barels per day to almost 2, 000,000 within a year.
” This feat has not been attained for over a decade due to activities of oil bunkers, insecurity and sabotage by some highly placed individuals and their calloborators.
“In addition, Tantita activities in the region since the engagement has helped in the restoration of aquatic lives, enabling Fisher men to return to business, enhancement of agricultural activities, and providing gainful employment for the teaming youths of the Niger Delta.
“Recall also that before the involvement of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Professional groups such as special taskforce among other security formations in Nigeria has failed to contend menace in the region. What Government security forces have failed to achieve, Tantita has made it possible within a short time, preventing militants and oil bunkers from causing more harm to the sector.
“For this reason, Tompolo and his pragmatic organisation deserves more accolades, awards and encouragement, not the needless hate and envy by detractors.
“We are not however unaware of the fact that the recent media attack and blackmail launched against Tompolo by a faceless group is clearly a sponsored handiwork of crude oil thieves who are hell bent on there neferrious activities but cannot deter him from the task of sanitising the oil and gas sector of the nation for greater economic prosperity.
“In conclusion, while the Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria have the right to express their concerns about the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited via NNPCL by the Federal Government of Nigeria, it is important to base discussions on accurate information, verifiable facts, and valid evidence.
“The award of government contracts involves established procedures and criteria, and decisions regarding contract reviews should be made based on legal grounds and valid reasons, rather than unsubstantiated claims,” he said.
