{"id":4347,"date":"2025-07-08T10:36:24","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T10:36:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/08\/re-onslaught-of-falsehood-and-self-interest-the-urhobo-press-conference-with-tantita-speaks-louder-than-upus-misrepresentation\/"},"modified":"2025-07-08T10:36:24","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T10:36:24","slug":"re-onslaught-of-falsehood-and-self-interest-the-urhobo-press-conference-with-tantita-speaks-louder-than-upus-misrepresentation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/08\/re-onslaught-of-falsehood-and-self-interest-the-urhobo-press-conference-with-tantita-speaks-louder-than-upus-misrepresentation\/","title":{"rendered":"Re: Onslaught Of Falsehood And Self Interest\u2014The Urhobo Press Conference With Tantita Speaks Louder Than UPU\u2019s Misrepresentation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Uche Alvin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

OPEN LETTER TO THE PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDERS IN THE NIGER DELTA<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RE: THE ONSLAUGHT OF FALSEHOOD AND SELF-INTEREST \u2014 THE URHOBO PRESS CONFERENCE WITH TANTITA SPEAKS LOUDER THAN UPU\u2019S MISREPRESENTATION<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fellow Nigerians, Esteemed Leaders and the Conscience of the Nation,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the face of recent misleading and dangerously divisive comments issued by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) rejecting the operations of Tantita Security Services, we, as citizens and critical stakeholders from within and beyond Urhobo land, feel compelled to speak truth to distortion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we write, a press conference is actively being held, not by distant elites or self-acclaimed \u201cmouthpieces of the people\u201d but by Urhobo generals, ex-agitators, pipeline host community leaders and youth representatives, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the leadership of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. This single act dismantles every false narrative peddled by the recent UPU youth publication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHAT MORE EVIDENCE DO WE NEED?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When those who once took up arms in defense of their people now stand in peaceful partnership with a company they describe as transformational, it begs the question: Who then are the true enemies of progress?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These ex-generals and field commanders who understand the terrain and its realities far better than any air-conditioned rhetoric have boldly declared that Tantita has brought peace, employment, dignity and progress to our communities. And this isn\u2019t just true for the Ijaw. It is true for Urhobo, Itsekiri, Isoko and the entire oil-bearing stretch of the Niger Delta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THE HYPOCRISY OF THE UPU\u2019S POSITION<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are disappointed but not surprised by the UPU sudden outcry. Their rejection of Tantita Security has nothing to do with capacity, performance or the welfare of the people. Rather, it is a shameful exhibition of elitist desperation, rooted in exclusion from contract negotiations, not the actual protection of Urhobo land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can any sincere leader claim that Tantita is a stranger in Urhobo land, when Urhobo sons and daughters are actively employed under its structure, paid from its system, protected by its coordination and now boldly defending it in front of the world?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We ask again: Isn\u2019t this press conference proof enough that the UPU\u2019s rejection was never collective but selectively selfish?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

URHOBO MUST CHOOSE: UNITY OR CONTRACT POLITICS?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tantita has achieved what years of federal military patrols, navy deployments and empty surveillance contracts could not. It has revived Nigeria\u2019s oil output. It has returned life and hope to our rural communities. It has replaced bullets with books and war boats with wages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We urge the Federal Government, the Nigerian people and all stakeholders to ignore the distractions of a few who speak only for themselves and their narrow interests. The real voices of the grassroots, the ones with scars, with sweat, with service, have spoken loud and clear beside Tantita.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And we stand with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CONCLUSION<\/p>\n\n\n\n

History will remember who stood for peace and development and not does who stood for personal gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tantita is not perfect, but Tantita is working. And no amount of slander can erase the visible truth already etched into the lives of thousands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We salute the Urhobo field commanders and leaders who have spoken today. Your courage is the shield that protects our future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tantita is not the problem. Tantita is the proof that progress is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signed,
Johnny Obas
Chairman<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Princewill Ruona Ujeyah
Secretary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comr Omokpe Austin
Publicity Secretary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collective Urhobo Defenders Front<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Uche Alvin OPEN LETTER TO THE PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDERS IN THE NIGER DELTA RE:…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4346,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[13],"tags":[1132],"class_list":["post-4347","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-re-onslaught-of-falsehood-and-self-interest-the-urhobo-press-conference-with-tantita-speaks-louder-than-upus-misrepresentation"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_0617-1.jpg?fit=1080%2C499&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":4277,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/05\/re-misguided-rejection-of-tantita-security-services-by-urhobo-progressives-union-upu-our-response-in-defense-of-truth-development-and-collective-interest____concerned-urhobo-zeal-group\/","url_meta":{"origin":4347,"position":0},"title":"Re: Misguided Rejection Of Tantita Security Services By Urhobo Progressives Union ( UPU ), Our Response In Defense Of Truth, Development And Collective Interest____Concerned Urhobo Zeal Group","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"July 5, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Uche Alvin PRESS RELEASE RE: MISGUIDED REJECTION OF TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES BY THE URHOBO PROGRESS UNION (UP)\u2014 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\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/fd5d8b46-730e-4eed-b150-e0d2142f8c53-1.jpg?fit=414%2C636&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4350,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/08\/urhobo-stakeholders-rejects-call-to-terminate-tantita-contract-by-upu-says-over-3500-urhobos-are-benefiting-from-tantita\/","url_meta":{"origin":4347,"position":1},"title":"Urhobo Stakeholders Rejects Call To Terminate Tantita Contract By UPU, Says Over 3,500 Urhobos Are Benefiting From Tantita","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"July 8, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Esther David President Generals from all Urhobo communities and Coordinators of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited have openly rejected the call by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) urging the Federal Government to terminate the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita. At a press briefing held in Ughelli and attended\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Opinion"","block_context":{"text":"Opinion","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/opinion\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/b7d370cb-c578-4eb4-852b-d982fb944aee-1.jpg?fit=1000%2C462&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/b7d370cb-c578-4eb4-852b-d982fb944aee-1.jpg?fit=1000%2C462&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/b7d370cb-c578-4eb4-852b-d982fb944aee-1.jpg?fit=1000%2C462&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/b7d370cb-c578-4eb4-852b-d982fb944aee-1.jpg?fit=1000%2C462&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4266,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/05\/niger-delta-rights-group-writes-open-letter-to-national-security-adviser-ribadu-charges-him-to-ignore-urhobo-progressives-unions-rejection-of-tantita-security-services-describes-rejection-a\/","url_meta":{"origin":4347,"position":2},"title":"Niger Delta Rights Group Writes Open Letter To National Security Adviser Ribadu, Charges Him To Ignore Urhobo Progressives Union\u2019s Rejection Of Tantita Security Services, Describes Rejection As A Politically Motivated Campaign To Discredit Tantita\u2019s Enormous Effort In Cubing Oil Theft","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"July 5, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"\u200eBy Esther David\u200e OPEN LETTER TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER\u200eRE: URHOBO REJECT TANTITA SECURITY: DEMANDS FOR QUALIFIED INDIGENOUS SECURITY OUTFIT\/CONTRACTOR TO HANDLE OIL FACILITIES SURVEILLANCE IN URHOBO LAND.\u200e\u200eSir,\u200eWe write to you as stakeholders of Niger Delta and as an independent organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Opinion"","block_context":{"text":"Opinion","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/opinion\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":4267,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/05\/niger-delta-rights-group-writes-open-letter-to-national-security-adviser-ribadu-charges-him-to-ignore-urhobo-progressives-unions-rejection-of-tantita-security-services-describes-rejection-a-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":4347,"position":3},"title":"Niger Delta Rights Group Writes Open Letter To National Security Adviser Ribadu, Charges Him To Ignore Urhobo Progressives Union\u2019s Rejection Of Tantita Security Services, Describes Rejection As A Politically Motivated Campaign To Discredit Tantita\u2019s Enormous Effort In Cubing Oil Theft","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"July 5, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"\u200eBy Esther David\u200e OPEN LETTER TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER\u200eRE: URHOBO REJECT TANTITA SECURITY: DEMANDS FOR QUALIFIED INDIGENOUS SECURITY OUTFIT\/CONTRACTOR TO HANDLE OIL FACILITIES SURVEILLANCE IN URHOBO LAND.\u200e\u200eSir,\u200eWe write to you as stakeholders of Niger Delta and as an independent organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Opinion"","block_context":{"text":"Opinion","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/opinion\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":4310,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/05\/tantita-egbema-brotherhood-leader-chief-promise-lawuru-urge-upu-to-play-fatherly-role-in-national-issues-says-urhobo-benefiting-fairly-from-tantita-security-contract\/","url_meta":{"origin":4347,"position":4},"title":"TANTITA: Egbema Brotherhood Leader, Chief Promise Lawuru Urge UPU To Play Fatherly Role In National Issues, Says Urhobo Benefiting Fairly From Tantita Security Contract","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"July 5, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye The leader Egbema Brotherhood (EBH), High Chief Promise Lawuru (aka Ozigizaga) has called on the leadership of the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) to play a fatherly role' in national issues instead of succumbing to divisive 'bring him down' mentality. 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