A Niger Delta advocacy group, 21st Century Youths of Niger Delta and Agitators with Conscience, has urged the Federal Government to disregard what it calls a deliberate smear campaign targeting the Chairman of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo. The group claims that the efforts of Tompolo and his firm have played a crucial role in raising Nigeria’s daily crude oil output from 1.3 million barrels to current production levels.
Speaking from Abuja, the group’s convener, Izon Ebi, issued a statement praising the Federal Government for partnering with Tantita Security Services. He said the partnership had produced visible improvements in oil output and the protection of vital energy infrastructure in the Niger Delta. According to Ebi, Tompolo’s role extends beyond pipeline surveillance. He noted that his influence has brought real development to the region, including the founding of the Nigerian Maritime University in Okerenkoko, the construction of modern facilities in local communities, and the empowerment of many through job opportunities, scholarships, small business grants, and skill training initiatives.
Ebi alleged that many of those now criticizing Tantita’s contract were beneficiaries of illegal oil activities in the past. He accused them of using media platforms and podcasts to spread misinformation and discredit the achievements made through Tantita’s surveillance operations. He warned that such actions are meant to mislead the public and derail the Federal Government’s focus on securing the oil sector.
He called on President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to remain firm and ignore what he described as voices of sabotage. Ebi said the current leadership at NNPCL should keep the momentum going, aiming to increase oil output to over two million barrels per day before the end of the year. He stressed that this would help offset the economic effects of falling global oil prices.
Accusations against Tompolo and his close allies, including Matthew Tonlagha, were described by Ebi as being driven by envy, selfish motives, and a lack of real concern for the Niger Delta. He cautioned the government to be wary of individuals who, in his words, lack the ability and integrity to deliver genuine security in the oil and gas sector.
Ebi urged the public not to be swayed by detractors whose ultimate goal is to return the region to a time when oil theft was rampant. He concluded with a strong demand for an end to the smear campaign and called for a public apology to the people of the Niger Delta. He warned that continued attacks against those working for the betterment of the region would not go unanswered, urging those responsible to take responsibility before consequences follow.
