By Our Correspondent
The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum is calling on the Federal Government, the National Assembly and security agencies to disregard petitions and campaigns seeking the cancellation of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
The group describes those behind the petitions as enemies of the Niger Delta, alleging that many of them are beneficiaries of the same surveillance arrangement they are now criticizing.
In a statement issued by its Convener, self-styled General Emmanuel Satu, the forum insists that several individuals sponsoring petitions against Tantita Security and its founder, Government Ekpemupolo, are acting out of jealousy and personal interests.
Satu claims that some of the critics are subcontractors currently working under Tantita Security but have allegedly failed to pay workers engaged in pipeline monitoring activities.
“Some of the people writing these petitions are even subcontractors under Tantita. They are enjoying the benefits but cannot pay the people working for them. That is why they are angry,” he says.
The ex-agitators’ leader calls on the National Assembly to set up a committee to visit the Niger Delta for a fact-finding mission in order to assess the impact of the pipeline surveillance contract.
According to him, lawmakers should compare the current situation in the region with what obtained about ten years ago before Tantita began operations.
“If the National Assembly comes to the Niger Delta, they will see the difference. Let them compare what was happening in the rivers and communities ten years ago with what we are seeing today,” Satu states.
He maintains that security across waterways and riverine communities has significantly improved since the surveillance contract was awarded to Tantita Security.
Satu also says economic activities have returned to many communities, adding that fishing and farming are thriving again due to improved peace and environmental conditions.
“In our communities today, people are fishing and getting good catches. Farming is booming and the environment is recovering because the illegal refining camps have been destroyed,” he says.
He adds that the company has dismantled several illegal crude oil refining sites and depots across the creeks, while incidents of sea piracy have drastically reduced.
Satu argues that the National Assembly should not rely solely on petitions but should independently verify the work being done by the surveillance firm.
“Rather than reviewing the contract because people are writing petitions, the National Assembly should send a team to the Niger Delta to confirm whether the Federal Government is getting value for the money being paid to Tantita Security,” he says.
The ex-agitators’ leader claims that the improved security situation in the region has contributed to increased oil production and better living conditions for local residents.
He further alleges that some of the individuals campaigning against the surveillance contract are based in Abuja and rarely visit their communities in the Niger Delta.
Satu also accuses former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege of allegedly backing critics of the surveillance arrangement through associates.
“Even Senator Ovie Omo-Agege is using his boy, Fejiro Oliver, to fight against the system, yet his younger brother is benefiting from the same contract,” he alleges.
He specifically mentions Jimmy Omo-Agege, whom he claims is a subcontractor working under Tantita Security.
“Jimmy Omo-Agege is securing pipelines as a subcontractor, but he pays those working under him only about N50,000 monthly, while Tantita Security pays at least N300,000 and above per slot and pays regularly,” Satu claims.
He insists that such differences in payment have fueled resentment among some contractors who are now sponsoring petitions against the surveillance firm.
The forum warns that removing Tantita Security from the surveillance system could destabilize the region and trigger renewed insecurity.
“If this job is taken from Tantita Security, the Niger Delta will burst into chaos. Oil theft, pipeline vandalism and militancy will return, and that will affect Nigeria’s economy,” Satu warns.
He adds that the Federal Government should not allow what he describes as “mischief makers” to mislead authorities into cancelling the contract.
“The only man who can secure the area for the Federal Government and the international oil companies to operate peacefully is Tompolo. Nobody else can do it,” he claims.
The forum therefore urges the Federal Government to ignore what it calls fictitious allegations and continue supporting the current surveillance arrangement to sustain peace and stability in the Niger Delta.
