Re: Misguided Rejection Of Tantita Security Services By Urhobo Progressives Union ( UPU ), Our Response In Defense Of Truth, Development And Collective Interest___

By Uche Alvin

PRESS RELEASE

RE: MISGUIDED REJECTION OF TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES BY THE URHOBO PROGRESS UNION (UP)— OUR RESPONSE IN DEFENSE OF TRUTH, DEVELOPMENT AND COLLECTIVE INTEREST

We, the Concerned Urhobo Zeal from pipeline-bearing communities contracted under the Tantita Security Surveillance Structure, are compelled to respond with deep disappointment to the misguided, selfish and utterly misleading press statement recently issued by Chief Ese Gam, the President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (Worldwide) and Co, calling for the removal of Tantita Security Services from Urhobo land.

We state without ambiguity. That publication does not represent the collective voice, interest or lived reality of Urhobo pipeline host communities.

Rather, it is an embarrassing display of elitist detachment, personal agenda and a gross misrepresentation of the truth. It is both irresponsible and disheartening and we rise today to set the record straight.

TANTITA IS BEYOND A COMPANY — IT IS A SYMBOL OF TRANSFORMATION

Tantita Security Services is not just a company. It is a lifeline for peace, a pillar of security and a catalyst for national economic recovery. Since its inception, Tantita has:

Reduced oil theft to the barest minimum,

Restored sanity to the creeks and pipeline routes,

Created thousands of direct and indirect jobs,

Boosted national oil production, thereby increasing Nigeria’s GDP.

These are not assumptions or praises born of sentiment. They are facts on ground, visible, measurable and life-changing.

Many Urhobo sons and daughters have been empowered through Tantita, not only with employment but with restored dignity and purpose.

FROM THE PALACES TO THE STREETS — TANTITA’S IMPACT IS UNDENIABLE

Tantita’s presence is felt from the palaces of our traditional rulers to the smallest hamlets in our oil-producing communities. They have built roads, constructed police outposts, helped rehabilitate infrastructure, supported local contractors and uplifted the vulnerable.

To dismiss such a positive legacy as a “profit-driven mission” is not only intellectually dishonest, it is offensive. It shows a shocking disregard for the sacrifices being made by field workers risking their lives daily to safeguard critical national assets.

ON THE PIA AND THE DANGEROUS POLITICS OF EXCLUSION

We acknowledge the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and its intent to empower host communities. However, let it be clear:

The PIA does not promote ethnic monopoly or exclusion. It champions competence, efficiency and partnership.

Tantita is not an outsider, it is a tested and trusted partner, operating within the legal framework of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. No law forbids national contractors from operating across ethnic lines, especially when they are delivering results.

To use the PIA as a political weapon to foster division is to twist the law into a tool of sabotage.

URHOBO NATION WILL NOT BE USED, SILENCED OR MISLED

We, the hardworking Urhobos of Urhobo land, say this emphatically:

We are not pawns. We are not tools for selfish individuals seeking contracts or attention. We are the true custodians of our future.

While some speak from air-conditioned offices and cozy hotels, we are in the trenches, in the creeks, on the frontlines ensuring oil flows and Nigeria survives. We know firsthand what Tantita has done. And we will not allow anyone to misrepresent our story.

CHIEF ESE GAM AND CO— YOU DO NOT SPEAK FOR US

All pipeline host communities in Urhobo land vehemently reject the publication signed by Chief Ese Gam and his co-travelers. Your press release was a betrayal of the development we have fought for and a shameful attempt to discredit a structure that is actually working.

You do not speak for us. You speak only for yourself and your ambitions. Your claims are hollow, divisive and rejected in full.

WE PASS A UNANIMOUS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ON TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES

We, the undersigned Urhobos from the frontline, hereby pass a firm and unanimous vote of confidence on Tantita Security Services and its leadership.

We are grateful for the employment, security, infrastructure and opportunity they have brought. We pray for greater wisdom and expansion in all their operations.

Signed,
Gen. Johnny Obas
Chief Godwin Okporoko
Cassidy Eni Christian
Power Enerho
Princewill Ruona Ujeyah
EJenavi Austine Oteri

ETARIGHOBE Thompson
Comr Omokpe Austine
Ukpobitere Kenneth PG
-Evwreni
Mr Panama Victor

Cc:

The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU)

Tantita Security Services

NNPC Limited

Ministry of Petroleum Resources

Delta State Traditional Rulers Council

Office of the National Security Adviser

All relevant stakeholders and civil society partners