Niger Delta Rights Group Writes Open Letter To National Security Adviser Ribadu, Charges Him To Ignore Urhobo Progressives Union’s Rejection Of Tantita Security Services, Describes Rejection As A Politically Motivated Campaign To Discredit Tantita’s Enormous Effort In Cubing Oil Theft -

‎By Esther David
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OPEN LETTER TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER
‎RE: URHOBO REJECT TANTITA SECURITY: DEMANDS FOR QUALIFIED INDIGENOUS SECURITY OUTFIT/CONTRACTOR TO HANDLE OIL FACILITIES SURVEILLANCE IN URHOBO LAND.
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‎Sir,
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We write to you as stakeholders of Niger Delta and as 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.

‎As an environmental right organization, we vehemently express our unreserved rejection of the recent smear campaigns and the growing calls by certain groups, most notably the Urhobo Progressive Union for the disengagement of Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL) from its crucial role in the protection of oil and gas infrastructure in the Urhobo territory and Niger Delta.
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‎Tantita Security Services, under the leadership of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), has played an instrumental role in the fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering, an endemic challenges that have for years crippled Nigeria’s oil production and deprived the nation of billions in revenue.
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‎Since Tantita’s engagement by the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the country has witnessed a marked improvement in oil output and a significant decline in illegal oil activities in the creeks and waterways of the Niger Delta. The company’s deep knowledge of the terrain, coupled with its ability to engage local communities in a responsible and coordinated manner, has brought about a level of success unmatched by previous contractors and security initiatives.
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‎The collaborative model of security adopted by Tantita has not only created thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities for youths across the Niger Delta, it has also enhanced trust between local stakeholders and the Federal Government. More importantly, Tantita has effectively complemented the efforts of the Nigerian Navy, Civil Defence and other statutory security agencies in securing the nation’s strategic assets.
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‎The recent attacks on Tantita’s credibility and legitimacy, most notably by the Urhobo Progressive Union and other interest-driven actors are, in our view, POLITICALLY MOTIVATED and dangerously misinformed. These calls risk undermining the fragile progress made in securing Nigeria’s economic lifeline.
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‎Disengaging Tantita at this time would not only roll back the gains achieved but would embolden oil thieves, saboteurs, and enemies of national development.
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‎We urge the National Security Adviser, as well as all stakeholders in the oil and security sectors, to see through the facade of these POLITICALLY MOTIVATED CAMPAIGNS and reaffirm support for Tantita Security Services in the national interest.
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‎Nigeria cannot afford to gamble with its security and economic recovery at this critical time. Tantita’s continued involvement remains essential to the sustainability of peace and productivity in the Niger Delta and the larger Nigerian economy.
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‎Yours sincerely,
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‎Signed:
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‎Jeffrey Pere Oromoni, Esq.
‎President
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‎Bobby Idemudia, Esq.
‎Publicity Secretary
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‎Niger Delta Rights Watch