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Otuaro’s Urgent Plea: “Renew Pipeline Surveillance Contract for Tantita Security Services Ltd.” – Read His Powerful Letter to President Tinubu.
Otuaro’s Urgent Plea: “Renew Pipeline Surveillance Contract for Tantita Security Services Ltd.” – Read His Powerful Letter to President Tinubu.
By Admin.
The immediate past Deputy Governor, Dec. Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro has penned a highly compelling plea to President Tinubu, urging the renewal of Tantita Security Services Ltd’s pipeline surveillance contract. His letter carries significant weight in addressing this crucial matter, coming from a man who knows every twist and bend of the Oil Crisis in the Niger Delta.
IduwiniVoice recall that Otuaro championed the Anti-capitalism and Oil-theft campaign of Gov. Okowa across that state, which made Delta the highest Oil revenue earner in their 8 year tenure and still enduring.
Read full text of the powerful letter below:
AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, ON THE CAMPAIGNS FOR AND AGAINST THE RENEWAL OF THE CONTRACT FOR TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES LTD IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRUDE OIL THEFT, AND OIL PIPELINE VANDALISM IN THE NIGER DELTA
Through:
Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori,
The Governor,
Delta State,
Government House,
Asaba.
Dear Mr. President Sir,
A PLEA FOR THE RENEWAL OF CONTRACT FOR TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES LTD TO REINFORCE OUR CONFIDENCE IN YOUR MANTRA OF ‘RENEWED HOPE’ IN THE ECONOMY
Your Excellency Sir, the news media has been lately awash with calls on your office to consider the propriety or otherwise of the renewal of the contract for Tantita Security Services Limited, a company allegedly owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, contracted to secure national oil and gas assets and fight the thieving of crude oil with the NNPCL and Nigerian Security Agencies in the Niger Delta.
I am constrained to write this open letter to your office as the immediate past Deputy Governor of Delta State with substantial knowledge of the menace of crude oil theft and vandalism of its infrastructure on one hand, and as a native of Okerenkoko and Obotobo Communities in Warri South West and Burutu Local Government Areas of Delta State that are amongst other communities, the host to the trans-Escravos pipeline and the 200km trans-Forcados pipeline, respectively.
The latter is the second largest pipeline in the Niger Delta Region that evacuates crude oil from the Western Delta to the Forcados oil export terminal with an export capacity of 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day. I am worried because Nigeria undoubtedly is a mono-economy that is majorly reliant on crude oil and gas receipts.
Our national and sub-national governments’ budgets, almost always have been tripodal on crude oil and gas sales, tax receipts that are inextricably linked to the oil and gas subsidiary investments, and external and internal borrowings.
Thus, any shock in the sector, whether man-made or natural cause, adversely impacts the economy. This is the more reason the Presidency must be circumspect, and cannot afford to make an error of judgment in the ongoing campaign of calumny and divisiveness against the partners in progress; Tantita Security Services Ltd, the NNPCL and the Nigerian Navy, in their patriotic fight against the syndicated criminal activities of crude oil theft and vandalism of its infrastructure.
After all, it is a notorious fact that the fight against the menace of oil theft, and the destruction of national oil and gas assets has already made tremendous progress. If so, why the ridiculous and untenable ‘hue and cry’ to change a winning team?
It is important that our budding confidence in your mantra of ‘Renewed Hope’ should be kept alive as the economically impoverished citizenry battles for survival amidst the hardship occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal.
The aftermath of the 2015 general election which brought in your predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari into office witnessed unprecedented and successive breaches of critical oil and gas facilities including the famous trans-Forcados delivery pipeline on the 27th May 2016, and that amongst other factors accounted for the country being plunged into recessionary times as there was a drastic drop in crude oil production and a dip in its price in the international market to an all-time low 24 dollars per barrel.
Responsively, the then Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa-led government of Delta State constituted the Delta State Advocacy Committee Against Oil Assets Destruction and I became Chairman of the committee. No sooner was the inauguration of the committee, we hit the creeks of the oil-producing communities by embarking on aggressive advocacy campaigns against oil assets destruction.
The Committee went to the oil-producing communities in the Benin River and its tributaries that opened up into some communities in Edo and Ondo states. We traversed the oil-producing communities along the famous Escravos and Forcados Rivers in Delta state and further down to the oil-producing communities at the Delta and Bayelsa fringes of the Ramos River.
Your Excellency, the Presidency invited me to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to help articulate the issues underscoring the resurgence of violent attacks on national oil and gas assets as well as producing a blueprint for a Presidential visit to states in the Niger Delta.
I was further co-opted as an individual from the Niger Delta States to attend the Inter-Ministerial Committee meetings on the Niger Delta headed by the former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo. The government saddled the Committee with the avowed responsibility of addressing topical issues concerning the Niger Delta such as the then ongoing unrest in the region, the Ogoni clean-up, and the Nigerian Maritime Okerenkoko, to mention but a few.
Your Excellency, it suffices to say that I was in no small measure involved in working out the details and itinerary of the Presidential visit to the various states in the region headed by the former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo and assisted by the former Minister for State Petroleum, and former Group Managing Director, NNPC, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu. It began on the 16th of January, 2017 in Delta State, and in other states in the region.
It is very important to state currently, that one of the conscientious outcomes of the Presidential visit to the region was the procurement of the services of the Tantita Security Services Limited to partner with the Nigerian Navy and NNPCL to intensify the fight against crude oil theft and secure national oil and gas assets from destruction.
Having the capability and profound understanding to handle the complexities and sophistication that characterize the syndicated criminal activities of oil theft, oil assets vandalism, and mitigation of environmental despoliation in the region, Tantita Security Services Limited is a square peg in a square hole.
Please accept the assurances of my highest regard.
Yours sincerely,
Dcn. Kingsley Otuaro Esq.
Immediate Past Deputy Governor of Delta State.
By Christy David
Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has urged President Bola Tinubu to focus on serving the interests of the Nigerian people rather than catering to a select political group. His remarks follow recent controversial actions by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
Okaba stressed the need for Tinubu to take a firm stance against the growing influence of political elites and fulfill his commitments to the nation. “The president is tactically being unfair to Nigerians and encouraging Wike to keep doing more. It’s not fair,” he stated. “Nigerians expect so much from you, and that is why they voted massively for you. Serve the people, not a cabal.”
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Wednesday, Okaba voiced concerns over Wike’s involvement in political activities in Bayelsa, particularly regarding planned rallies in the state. He condemned these actions as unfair and divisive, arguing that they worsen political tensions in the Niger Delta.
Okaba pointed to the upcoming rallies on April 12, where opposing groups are expected to gather at the same venue, as a deliberate attempt to manipulate the political climate. He accused Wike of using these events to advance personal interests at the expense of the Ijaw people.
Describing Wike’s actions as a direct challenge to the Ijaw nation, Okaba criticized the former governor’s inflammatory rhetoric and the transformation of welcome rallies into platforms for political crises.
News
IPF Visit Burutu for On-the-spot Assessment as Dr. Takeme Reiterates Commitment to Sustaining Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area in Delta State, Dr. Julius Takeme, has reaffirmed his dedication to sustainable development across the council in consonance with the Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori MORE agenda. He made this commitment on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by members of the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) at the local government secretariat.
The visit marked the beginning of an inspection tour by the IPF, a coalition of media executives, across Ijaw local government areas nationwide.
In his address to the IPF delegation, Takeme emphasized that his administration is committed to the MORE AGENDA, a developmental initiative championed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He highlighted that within one year, Burutu Local Government has witnessed significant infrastructural improvements under his leadership.
“Guided by Governor Oborevwori’s MORE AGENDA, our administration has undertaken numerous visible infrastructural projects in Burutu,” Takeme stated. “This mandate has driven us to prioritize the transformation of Burutu, leading to the construction of a combined one-kilometer internal road network.”
The Olotu of Obotebe Kingdom further noted that his administration has invested in critical sectors such as public health, sanitation, housing, and civil servant welfare. He pointed out that several senior council officers had previously faced challenging working conditions, which his administration has actively addressed.
Takeme listed key intervention projects, including the renovation of health centers in Labulouseigha and Ofougbene communities, the construction and renovation of senior staff quarters, and the building of residential quarters for the President of the Customary Court. Additional projects include the construction of three modern public toilets, distribution of essential medicines to health centers, and the employment of over 2,000 women to maintain cleanliness within the local government headquarters.
He further disclosed that several other projects are in the pipeline and will be officially commissioned as part of his administration’s one-year anniversary celebrations.
IPF President and Niger Delta activist, Comrade Austin Ozobo, who also serves as the Publisher of Congress Newspaper, explained that the forum’s tour aims to evaluate governance and development across Ijaw communities. He commended Takeme for his efforts and urged him to sustain the momentum in delivering essential services and infrastructure to the people of Burutu.
By Warefa Pereke.
March 31, 2025.
Thousands of Dignitaries and Media Outfits Witnessed the Unveiling of Iduwini Voice Newspaper.
March 29, 2025, will be etched in the annals of history as the day Iduwini Voice Newspaper was officially launched at the prestigious MBB Event Center. The highly anticipated event, drew thousands of dignitaries, media personalities, and enthusiasts from across the region to MBB event Center, Refinery Road Effurun, Delta State.
The launch ceremony, which commenced at 11:00 am, was a testament to the meticulous planning and organization of the Media team. The MBB Event Center was transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, with attendees eagerly awaiting the unveiling of Iduwini Voice Newspaper.
In his welcome address, The Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Iduwini Voice Newspaper, Dr. Peretengboro Clintin Bibaikefie, outlined the publication’s vision and mission, emphasizing its commitment to factual reporting, balanced analysis, and investigative journalism.
“Permit me to say that the idea of Iduwini Voice stemmed from a revolutionary vision that tasked me heavily in a deep ‘wilderness of the mind,’ thronging hard to come up with a catchy, fancy, and contemporary brand name, but kept being guided back to my root…For too long, our stories have been told by others – often with bias, misrepresentation, or outright immission, often intended to manipulate the powers that be against us Africans, Nigerians, Niger Deltans, and Ijaws in particular. The Iduwini Voice was founded on the principle of authenticity, truth, and empowerment. We believe that everyone has a story to tell, but not everyone has the platform to tell it. This is why we boldly adopted the slogan: “Voice of the Voiceless.””
“We will strive to provide our readers with accurate, timely, and engaging content, while also promoting the values of fairness, justice, and equality,” he said.
In his lecture delivered at the occasion of Iduwini Voice Newspaper/TV launch, entitled: “The Digital Tide And The Upsurge of Avant-Garde Journalism”, Professor Benedict Ebimotimi Binebai explored the remarkable journey of Iduwini Voice Newspaper and its impact on the media world. “Iduwini Voice delves into the vision of creativity and innovation that have made it a beacon of Avant-Garde storytelling. Iduwini Voice brings stories from the grassroots, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. It helps to preserve the cultural heritage and traditions of the Niger Delta region, and conducts in-depth investigations into issues like corruption, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation,” he said.
In his keynote address, The Father of the Day, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, President Ijaw National Congress, said that as the Ijaw Nation demonstrates its dedication to the development of the media industry, Iduwini Voice Newspaper will become a leading voice in Nigerian journalism, promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The chief Launcher, Chief Dr. Julius Takeme JP (Phd), The Olotu of Obotebe Kingdom, and Chairman, Burutu Local Government Council, pressed on the need for the Ijaws to support any Ijaw cause financially and otherwise. “We are proud to launch Iduwini Voice Newspaper, a platform that will provide a voice for the voiceless, promote transparency, and hold leaders accountable,” he stated.
Chief Comrade Cheriff Mulade, Director-General, Center For Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), who Chaired the occasion, emphasized the importance of a free and independent press in promoting democracy and good governance. He expressed his commitment to supporting the growth and development of the media industry in Niger Delta.
The event featured a range of activities, including a discussion on the role of the media in promoting democracy, a presentation on the history and significance of Iduwini Voice Newspaper, and a tour of the publication’s state-of-the-art facilities.
As the curtains drew to a close with a vote of thanks offered by Barrister Sam Ikporukpo, attendees were treated to a spectacular display of music, dance, and other performances, showcasing the rich diversity of the Niger Delta region.
Other dignitaries present were Pastor Adonis Osarobo, the Zonal Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Later Rain Zone, Spiritual Father of the Day, Hon. Julius Pondi, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment & Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, Abuja, Comrade Newworld Endoro, Chairman, Odimodi Community, Hon. Dennis Yenbri Bibaikefie, Mr. Akin Benikrukru, PIA Chairman, Iduwini Host Community Development Board, Delta State.
Others were Comrade Isaiah Tamaraunimi Ingo, SA to the NDDC Chairman, Comrade Ozobo Austin,
Publisher of Cogress Newspaper & President, Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF), Mr. Cletus Opukeme,
Publisher of Daily Watch Newspaper,
Also present were Arex Ambrose Akemotubo, CEO, WaffiTv & Auditor of Delta State PDP, Jacobs Brakere Abai, CEO of Gbaramatuvoice, Comrade Mike Ugedi, CEO of Delta Events Tv,
Ekpegha Tamaraupreye,
Publisher of South-South Daily, and a host of others.
In an interview with Media personnel after the lunching, the Editor-in-chief of the Ezon Efie Media outfit, Engr. Warefa Pereke, said that with its lunch, Iduwini Voice Newspaper has set a new standard for journalism in Nigeria, and its commitment to truth, fairness, and accountability is expected to resonate with readers across the Nigeria”.
PHOTO CAPTION: Dignitaries and guests at the launch of Iduwini Voice Newspaper at the MBB Event Center on March 29, 2025.