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Nigerian Navy Fingered as Tompolo Alleges Sabotage in the Anti Oil Theft Battle
By Favour Bibaikefie
Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), has raised concerns over acts of sabotage hindering efforts to combat crude oil theft in Nigeria.
During a meeting with the national leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Tuesday in Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, Tompolo shared his grievances. The NBA delegation was led by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN).
Tompolo revealed that his staff members were recently attacked while apprehending oil thieves along the creeks of Port Harcourt. He urged the NBA to intervene, emphasizing the economic repercussions if such issues persist.
“The NBA has a duty to play in this present situation because if we are not careful in this country, we will not have money to do any reasonable thing,” he said. “We are going to do our part locally, but you are there at the top. If we arrest today, lawyers will appear on both sides. My appeal is that you need to help us.”
He explained that his commitment to tackling oil theft had provoked resistance and personal threats. “In the course of this surveillance, we have stepped on so many toes of people over there in Lagos and Abuja. After my court cases, I cannot travel anywhere. If I must travel, I have to go with two or three security personnel,” he noted.
The NBA delegation had earlier visited the palace of Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom.
NBA President Afam Osigwe expressed optimism about the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) recent announcement of an increase in oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day. He highlighted the critical role Gbaramatu Kingdom and TSSNL play in curbing oil theft, emphasizing the broader benefits for the nation.
“If the oil production keeps going up, it will benefit all of us, and government will be able to provide for the needs of the people. However, there is a need to stem the theft of our commonwealth from some individuals,” Osigwe said. “The fight against oil theft is more desirable now more than ever before because Nigeria is borrowing so much to fund its budget.”
The NBA leader explained that their visit was aimed at understanding the challenges faced by oil-producing communities, including the effects of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration.
“First to get first-hand knowledge of how this battle has been fought and what the challenges and approach are. Tantita has done a lot of good work on the issues of pipeline protection and oil theft. We thought that it would be a good place for us to come,” he stated.
Osigwe also underscored the need for justice and equitable distribution of the nation’s oil wealth, highlighting the neglect faced by communities like Gbaramatu.
Meanwhile, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom called on the Federal Government to address the infrastructure deficit in the region. “Presently, government is far from us. It should come closer to us and do the needful for us to reciprocate,” the traditional ruler said.
He also advocated for the establishment of a Magistrate Court in the area, while pledging the community’s commitment to peace in the Niger Delta.
TSSNL, a private security firm engaged by the Federal Government, is tasked with safeguarding pipeline assets across the country.
Source: NAN
News
28,000bpd Ogidigben Oilfield Shutdown by Itsekiri Youth, Under PINL Not Tantita’s Coverage – Tompolo
By Divine Perezide
High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has disassociated his company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, from the recent protest and shutdown of an oil facility in Warri, Delta State.
Speaking through his media aide, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo PhD., Tompolo clarified that the affected oil field, located in Ugborodo, Warri South-West Local Government Area, does not fall within Tantita’s jurisdiction. He stressed that the facility is under the protection of another security firm, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), which is owned by the Olu of Warri.
“It is not only Tantita that is doing the security job. The Olu of Itsekiri’s company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, is also covering that area,” Bebenimibo explained. He further stated, “The Ogidigben oil field is not under our watch but under Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), a firm linked to the Olu of Itsekiri.”
The facility, currently operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings following its acquisition from Shell, reportedly produces around 28,000 barrels of oil per day. It was shut down on Wednesday by aggrieved members of the Itsekiri community. The protesters, who carried placards, voiced their dissatisfaction over alleged marginalisation in ward delineation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In response to the incident, Bebenimibo emphasized that the protest and the shutdown had no connection to Tompolo or Tantita. “Nobody dares Tantita. The issue has nothing to do with Tantita and Tompolo,” he stated firmly.
The protest remained peaceful, but it successfully brought operations at the facility to a standstill, underlining ongoing tensions related to political representation in the region.
News
“Peace is the Panacea for Development” Dr. Takeme Said as He Inaugurates Burutu Peace and Advocacy Committee
By Favour Bibaikefie
In a bid to strengthen harmony and peaceful coexistence within Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Council Chairman Dr. Julius Takeme on Tuesday formally inaugurated a 23-member Peace Building and Advocacy Committee.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the council secretariat in Burutu, marked a significant step toward fulfilling the chairman’s campaign promises, particularly on conflict resolution and community engagement. The committee, chaired by retired Justice J.F. Daubry, comprises individuals described by Dr. Takeme as “men and women of integrity,” selected for their reputation and dedication to peaceful service.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Takeme outlined the committee’s core responsibilities, which include mediating disputes among individuals, groups, and communities to maintain the prevailing peace in the area. “Your responsibility includes the amicable settlement of disputes between individuals, groups and communities. Please, do your very best to meditate diligently,” he said.
Chief Fidelis Tubotu was appointed Secretary of the committee, while members include Apostle Godsflag Agboun, Chief October Kuro-Ogu, Gen. Brodrick Demeyeibo, Chief Elimina Namah Eselemo, Chief James Nicketen, Barr. B.D. Ekpese, Barr. Torugbene Oloye, Chief Patrick Fufeyin, Chief Gabriel Benede, Chief Lucky Yoweibo, and Dr. (Mrs.) Jennet Abdullahi.
Additional members are Chief Dauyeibo Kitua, Chief Apiakise Apiakise Coleman, Barr. Isa Clark, Hon. Gift Gomeromo, Prince Peter Numa, Chief Torololo Love, Chief Clement Kęmetimibibo, Chief (Mrs.) Ter Okpe, Chief Pukon Samson Eles, Chief Douglas T.M.O, and Chief Fidelis Tubotu.
Dr. Takeme reiterated his administration’s intention to mirror Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s “More Agenda” through proactive peace initiatives and conflict resolution efforts. “We promised to replicate Gov. Oborevwori’s More Agenda in Burutu, and one of our targets is to resolve as many lingering inter and intra-communal disputes. We believe in your individual and collective capabilities to help this government deliver on this promise,” he said.
He further noted, “We want to make Burutu a reflection of Oborevwori’s good governance that has rendered even the main opposition parties speechless.”
The council chairman encouraged committee members to remain upright and committed, emphasizing the importance of including the local chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in their peacebuilding activities. According to him, “CAN is pivotal to peace building.”
In his response on behalf of the committee, Justice Daubry expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them and pledged their unwavering commitment. “We will not disappoint the council,” he assured.
The event was attended by council executive members including Vice Chairman Chief (Mrs.) Georgina Evah; Supervisor for Education, Hon. Okpako Doctor; Supervisor for Agriculture, Hon. Immaculate Birialade; Supervisor for Environment, Hon. Godwin Oro; and Supervisor for Works, Hon. Pudigha Biakpara. Traditional rulers from various communities across the local government were also present, further highlighting the importance of the initiative.
By Divine Perezide
A recent photograph showing the former Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Deacon Kingsley B. Otuaro, in the company of prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has stirred a wave of speculation and political interpretation on social media and beyond.
The image, which has been widely circulated, raised questions about Otuaro’s political affiliations, with some observers hinting at possible realignment or defection. However, Pastor Arex Akemotubo, the spokesperson for Otuaro and the Auditor of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, has come forward to dispel the growing speculation.
In a statement addressing the issue, Akemotubo emphasized that the meeting was not politically motivated, but rather a reflection of statesmanship and democratic engagement.
“It’s normal for leaders across party lines to interact and engage on various national issues of mutual interest,” he said. “Such interactions are a testament to the maturity of our democracy and the spirit of collaboration that transcends party differences.”
Akemotubo’s remarks appear aimed at reinforcing Otuaro’s continued commitment to the PDP, while also highlighting the evolving nature of political discourse in Nigeria, where bipartisan dialogue is increasingly common.
Observers note that Otuaro has maintained a reputation for inclusive leadership and bridge-building throughout his political career, and his recent appearance should not be misread as a signal of political defection.
As the political landscape continues to shift ahead of 2027 elections, such instances of cross-party engagement are expected to grow, underscoring the importance of context in interpreting political interactions.