News
Tantita Surveillance Contract Not a Common Wealth, Niger Delta Should Be Thankful – IPF
By Divine Perezide
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has strongly defended Tantita Security Services Limited over criticisms surrounding its pipeline surveillance contract, insisting that the engagement is not a “common wealth” arrangement and should not be portrayed as such.
In a statement jointly signed by the National President of the forum, Comrade Ozobo Austin, and its Spokesman, Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, IPF said the people of the Niger Delta ought to appreciate Tantita and its leadership for helping to restore order to crude oil production activities and for protecting critical national assets in the region.
The forum explained that, unlike the 13 per cent derivation fund which is constitutionally meant for oil-producing communities, the surveillance contract awarded to Tantita is strictly a professional engagement based on competence and proven performance, similar to other security contracts previously handled by individuals and companies in the region.
According to the statement, “The 13 percent derivation is meant for the entire Niger Delta region especially the oil producing communities and the funds are not reaching the people yet those who claim to be activist are not saying or doing anything about it, rather they channeled their energy into attacking a private company, Tantita Security”.
IPF further recalled that pipeline protection had in the past been undertaken by the military and several private operators, including Capt. Hosa and others across different states, without anyone referring to those arrangements as common wealth.
It stressed that, “Those describing Tantita as a common wealth are poor students of history,” while questioning why such claims were never directed at previous contractors.
The forum also alleged that many of the attacks against Tantita are motivated by personal interests, noting that some of the most vocal critics come from non-oil-producing areas, despite benefiting from the goodwill and generosity of Tantita’s leadership.
Highlighting past experiences during the Niger Delta crisis, IPF stated that, “It is amazing that during the crises in Niger Delta, other neighbouring tribes, especially Urhobos and Itsekiris isolated the Ijaws as trouble makers and exposed them with publications distancing themselves and tagged the Ijaws as only militants and that Nigerian army should kill only Ijaw youths and burn down Ijaw towns and villages which the military did”.
The forum further observed that, “Imagine, now that little benefits have come from the armed struggle, every tribe wants to benefit from the militancy with which they were isolating and branding Ijaws with all unprintable names. But Tompolo in his magnanimity included these same tribes who were attacking Ijaw during the arms struggle in his Tantita pipeline contract, yet they are still agitating selfishly to have 50%50% benefit in his own personal contract from the federal government”.
IPF maintained that the leadership of Tantita — including High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), High Chief Kestin Pondi, Engr. Mathew Tonlagha and Chief Tare Pondi — deserved commendation for what it described as their generous disposition and continuous support to communities, adding that the company’s interventions cut across both oil-producing and non-oil-producing areas.
The forum clarified that it does not receive any direct benefit from Tantita, but insisted that fairness and honesty must prevail.
“IPF is not a direct beneficiary of Tantita, but the truth must be told,” the statement said. “When people are doing well, they should be encouraged, not attacked out of greed or envy.”
The association warned that persistent public criticism of organisations and individuals contributing to the development of the Niger Delta could discourage goodwill and investment, and called on stakeholders to prioritise the collective interest of the region above personal ambition.
IPF finally urged Niger Deltans to recognise Tantita’s contributions to the protection of vital infrastructure, the improvement of crude oil output, peace building and security in the region, rather than promote what it described as negativity motivated by selfish considerations.
By Ezinne
The Cross River State Police Command has officially unveiled a comprehensive lineup of activities to mark the 2026 National Police Day. Speaking at the Command Headquarters in Calabar on Sunday, March 29, 2026, the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, stated that this year’s celebration, themed “Community Partnership: Building Trust,” is designed to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public.
The week-long celebration kicked off today, Monday, March 30, with statewide environmental sanitation exercises and a free medical outreach for residents at Millennium Park in Calabar. On Tuesday, March 31, the Command will host a walkathon starting from the State Headquarters to promote physical fitness and civil engagement. Midweek activities on Wednesday, April 1, will shift to Etim Edem Park for public sensitization campaigns focused on road safety and the prevention of electoral violence ahead of future polls.
A solemn highlight of the schedule is set for Thursday, April 2, when the Command will present welfare cheques to the families of fallen officers in recognition of their ultimate sacrifice. CP Afegbua emphasized that these initiatives, spearheaded by Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, are vital for fostering mutual cooperation. The activities will culminate in a grand ceremonial parade on April 7 at Eagle Square, Abuja, where Cross River will join other state commands for the national finale. Residents are encouraged to participate in the local events to help build a more secure and collaborative society.
News
Prof. Benedict Benebai Decries Lack of Unity, Peace in Ijaw Nation, Calls for Mega City Development
By Agregor Immaculate
A prominent Ijaw leader, Benedict Benebai, has intensified calls for unity, peace, and accelerated development, underscoring that collective cohesion remains vital to achieving meaningful progress in the region.
Speaking during a recent interview, Benedict Benebai expressed deep concern over growing divisions among the Ijaw people, warning that persistent disunity continues to erode their collective strength and political relevance. He urged leaders, youths, and key stakeholders to rise above differences and unite around a shared vision that advances the common good.
According to him, peace remains a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable development, noting that conflict and instability not only discourage investment but also significantly hinder economic growth. He therefore called for sustained dialogue, mutual tolerance, and strengthened cooperation among communities to foster a stable and secure environment capable of attracting both government and private sector support.
The Professor Benebai also highlighted the paradox of underdevelopment in the Niger Delta, despite its vast natural resources. He advocated for improved infrastructure, quality education, better healthcare systems, and increased economic opportunities for young people in the region.
In a major highlight of his address, Benedict Benebai proposed the development of an “Ijaw Mega City” — a visionary central urban hub aimed at driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and serving as a powerful symbol of unity and cultural pride for the Ijaw people. He noted that such an initiative could ease migration pressures on existing urban centers while strategically positioning the Ijaw nation as a formidable economic force.
“The future of the Ijaw people depends on our ability to unite as one, sustain peace, and build enduring structures that will benefit generations to come,” he said. The proposal has since ignited widespread discussions among stakeholders, many of whom regard it as an ambitious yet potentially transformative pathway to regional development, provided it is carefully planned and effectively implemented.
Observers, however, maintain that the success of the initiative will hinge largely on strong political will, active community participation, and sustained strategic investment.
Experts say the initiative’s success will be driven by political commitment, community engagement, and targeted strategic investment.
With unity, peace, and strategic investment, the Ijaw Mega City could become a cornerstone for regional development and cultural pride.
News
Tantita: Stop Troubling Tompolo, Ijaw Nation, Seek for Other Opportunities – Bibaikefie Tasks Detractors
By Favour Bibaikefie
The ongoing controversy surrounding the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services Limited has taken a new turn, as stakeholders across the Niger Delta continue to intensify debate onmver the calls for its decentralisation amid allegations of imbalance, vested interests, and political undertones.
While some groups and individuals have advocated for the fragmentation of the contract to accommodate more regional actors, others have strongly opposed the move, arguing that such agitation is selective and potentially counterproductive to the fragile peace and operational gains recorded by Tantita in recent times.
Adding his voice to the discourse, media executive and Publisher of IduwiniVoice, Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, described the campaign against the existing structure as “misdirected and suspicious,” questioning the underlying motives of those pushing for decentralisation.
“It is witchcraft that they left the owners of oil blocs and even other companies handling the same surveillance contract and are fixated on fighting Tompolo who graciously engaged everyone, thereby bringing benefits to all,” he asserted. “If their intentions were sincere, they would include the Olu’s contract in their misadventure, better still first fight to own the oil blocs or marginal oil fields.”
Bibaikefie further raised concerns over what he described as “selective activism,” noting that there has been little or no agitation regarding other pipeline surveillance arrangements, particularly those reportedly handled by firms such as the Pipeline Infrastructures Nigerian Limited.
“How do you make sense of the fact that nobody seeks decentralisation of similar or even larger surveillance contracts handled by others?” he queried. “Why must a man who played a visible role in the emancipation struggle of the Niger Delta be the one pressured to relinquish his litle opportunity? one which he has used to better the lives of thousands.”
However, IduwiniVoice recall that, the surveillance contract in question, awarded by the Nigerian government, is aimed at protecting critical oil infrastructure across the Niger Delta—a sector historically plagued by crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and environmental degradation.
Since its award to Tantita, a firm linked to former militant leader , industry reports indicate a significant reduction in oil theft and improved production output. Government officials have repeatedly cited enhanced community participation and local intelligence gathering as key drivers of this success.
However, critics—among them some ex-militant leaders and regional stakeholders—have argued that the contract should be decentralised to allow broader participation and prevent perceived monopolisation.
Proponents of decentralisation maintain that expanding the contract to include more indigenous operators would:
- Promote inclusivity
- Reduce tension among youth groups
- Ensure equitable distribution of economic opportunities
Yet, opposing voices insist that such arguments may be driven more by economic rivalry than genuine developmental concerns. Bibaikefie noted that competence and fair aggitations must form the basis of their adventure. You cannot be calling for the spliting of Tompolo’s performing contract while turning a blindside to that of PINL which is reportedly bigger.
This only mean one thing, envy towards Tompolo. Pull-Him-Down syndrome. What equity a fairness will you entrench when you have never mentioned PINL’s contract in all your pressure for decentralisation?
Bibaikefie echoed this sentiment, arguing that the focus on pipeline surveillance contracts alone reflects a narrow pursuit of benefits.
“Can’t others seek for drilling contracts, international vessel supply contracts, and other legitimate opportunities within and outside the oil and gas value chain?” he asked, calling for a broader and more strategic engagement with the region’s economic ecosystem rather than fixated witchhunt.
Amid the growing tension, several organisations and opinion leaders have urged restraint, adding that there’s no guarantee that the contract must be awarded to another Ijaw man if it is withdrawn from Tompolo. Also, industry observers warn that destabilising existing surveillance frameworks without viable alternatives could reverse recent gains in crude oil production and security.
Bibaikefie also noted that pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta is not merely a commercial engagement but a sensitive component of national economic stability, requiring continuity, trust, and local legitimacy.
As the debate intensifies, Bibaikefie’s message is clear; “stop disturbing fellow Ijaws whenever very litle gain is visible. Use those contacts and enrgy to seek for evwn bigger dividents from the federal government to increase our gains instead. “Let us preserve and protect Tompolo’s contract, an arrangement credited with measurable results.
For now, the Federal Government has not announced any formal decision to decentralise the Tantita contract, leaving the issue within the realm of public discourse and stakeholder advocacy.
The controversy underscores deeper questions about sincerity of the fight for resource control, internal strife, and post-conflict economic integration in the Niger Delta. While calls for decentralisation persist, voices like Bibaikefie’s highlight the need to interrogate motives, ensure fairness across the sector on the part of the naysayers, and avoidance actions that could undermine hard-earned stability in the region.