The Chairman of the Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum, Comrade Prince Kpokpogri, has raised concerns over what he described as a coordinated smear campaign targeting Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over the federal government’s pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
Key Highlights:
- Prince Kpokpogri alleged a smear campaign against Government Ekpemupolo over the federal pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
- In an open letter to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kpokpogri claimed vested interests were sponsoring media attacks against Tompolo.
- He warned against efforts to remove or weaken Tantita’s role in pipeline surveillance operations in the Niger Delta.
- Kpokpogri credited Tantita with helping reduce crude oil theft and improve Nigeria’s oil production.
- He urged the federal government to maintain the current arrangement and continue supporting Tantita Security Services.
In an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kpokpogri alleged that certain interests within and outside the Niger Delta are behind sustained media attacks aimed at discrediting both Tompolo and his company. He characterised the criticisms as “sponsored propaganda” driven by vested interests seeking to undermine ongoing efforts in the oil sector.
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While acknowledging growing calls for the decentralisation of pipeline surveillance operations, Kpokpogri cautioned that such demands should not evolve into what he termed a “pull-him-down agenda” against Tompolo. He argued that the ex-militant leader has played a significant role in the Niger Delta struggle, particularly during the activities of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).
Reflecting on the militancy era between 2006 and 2009, Kpokpogri noted the heavy human toll during military operations in Gbaramatu Kingdom, emphasizing that Tompolo and his associates made considerable sacrifices in the agitation for resource control.
He further credited Tantita Security Services with helping to curb crude oil theft and stabilize Nigeria’s oil output, claiming that production levels have improved significantly in recent times.
Kpokpogri also highlighted the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts across the Niger Delta, citing youth empowerment initiatives, support for small businesses, and infrastructural development. He specifically mentioned the contributions of Kestin Pondi and Matthew Tonlagha in promoting entrepreneurship.
Questioning the motives of critics, Kpokpogri pointed out that similar objections were not raised when pipeline surveillance contracts were handled by other private operators, including the late Capt. Idahosa Wells Okunbo of Ocean Marine Solutions Limited.
He called on stakeholders in the Niger Delta to support ongoing reforms in the oil sector and urged the federal government to retain confidence in Tantita Security Services, citing its operational experience and familiarity with the region’s terrain.
