OIL THEFT: Human And Environmental Rights Group Writes Open Letter To President Tinubu, Urges Him To Reject Smear Campaign Against Tantita Security Services, Says Tantita Deserves Commendation Not Vilification -

By Uche Alvin

‎OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
‎Reject the Smear Campaign: Support Tantita Security Services for a Peaceful, Safer and Cleaner Niger Delta.
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‎Your Excellency,
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‎We write to you on behalf of Niger Delta Rights Watch, an independent organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights, socio-economic justice, environmental sustainability, peace and stability in the Niger Delta region.
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‎As a human and environmental rights organization, we remain committed to defending the rights of individuals and communities through advocacy, litigation, and petitions.
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‎We are compelled to address recent calls by certain Itsekiri groups for the cancellation of the Federal Government’s contract with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, citing alleged grievances over their operations within Itsekiri territories.
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‎We consider these calls unjustified, misleading and dangerous.
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‎Since its engagement by the Federal Government, Tantita Security Services has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the protection of the environment, the rule of law and the suppression of oil theft and illegal bunkering activities that have long devastated the Niger Delta’s fragile ecosystem.
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‎Tantita’s efforts have not only curbed widespread oil theft but have also contributed significantly to restoring environmental health in previously polluted communities. Their impact is evident in the territories under their jurisdiction, which are now among the few areas in the Niger Delta with visibly cleaner and safer environments.
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‎We are deeply concerned that this campaign of calumny against Tantita is being spearheaded by a faction of Itsekiri elites and their associates, individuals who have historically benefitted from oil bunkering and vandalism of national assets. These elements, whose criminal operations have been dismantled by Tantita’s effective interventions, are now attempting to undermine the company’s credibility and obstruct its legitimate operations.
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‎Their goal is simple: to resume illegal activities under the guise of ethnic grievance.
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‎Let it be stated unequivocally: Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd operates strictly within the bounds of its contractual obligations and national law. It has shown professionalism, transparency and integrity in its operations. These unrelenting attacks against Tantita are nothing more than desperate attempts by criminal networks to discredit a security outfit that has disrupted their illicit operations.
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‎We therefore call on Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser and the Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to ignore these false narratives and continue supporting Tantita Security Services. In fact, we urge the government to expand the company’s operational coverage to the entire Niger Delta region.
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‎Tantita Security Services deserves not vilification but commendation. Their continued presence and efforts are critical to preserving our environment, safeguarding national resources and securing the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens across the Niger Delta.
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‎Yours sincerely,
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‎JEFFREY PERE OROMONI, ESQ.
‎President