IYN Commends Tinubu, NNPC for Renewing Tantita’s Pipeline Surveillance Contract

* Ateke, Asari, Boyloaf, others meet in Rivers, move against oil theft

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Ijaw Youths Network has commended President Bola Tinubu for renewing the pipeline protection contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Limited for another three years.

The IYN Coordinator, Frank Ebikabo and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor,  in a statement yesterday, noted that the President displayed uncommon leadership in the pursuit of the collective good of Nigeria.

The group said  the decision of the President who ignored a campaign of calumny orchestrated by a group of those it described as self-serving individuals, was a further vindication of the bold efforts made by Tantita Security Limited to confront the mindless theft of the nation’s oil resources.

The IYN stated that the renewal of the contract in spite of the massive campaign against the company clearly  showed that the President was determined to strengthen the fight against the oil thieves who have held down this country’s economy for years.

The group also commended the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company, Mr Mele Kyari, for the  display of firmness and patriotism in the lingering issue of the fight against oil theft and economic sabotage in the country.

The group stated that Kyari’s decision to engage local security outfits to confront the hydra headed existential economic challenge facing the country was a masterstroke as shown by the incontrovertible exploits  that Tantita Security Services Limited.

The IYN urged the NNPC GCEO to ignore a group of disgruntled militants who were blackmailing him in the media,sadly for doing what was right.
They noted that the NNPC led by Kyari only did what was expected by offering desperately needed solutions to a grave crime executed  by a gang of rich criminal who targeted the soul of the nation’s economy.

The group called the attention of the security agencies especially the Department of State Services (DSS), to a body, the Supreme Egbesu Freedom Fighters of Niger Delta, which had issued threats to the NNPC GCEO over the renewal of the contract.

The duo said the Supreme Egbesu Freedom Fighters of Niger Delta should perhaps tell Nigerians if they were still involved in arm struggle or were under the President Amnesty Programme.

He urged the Director General of the DSS to note the threat of the group which it stated suggested that they might  engage in sabotage activities in the region.
The statement added: “But this time around, we will not sit down, fold our hands and allow such to happen under our nose, we will join hands together with other agitating militant groups and notable ex-militant leaders as well with ethnic nationalities stakeholders to do everything humanly possible not to disappoint the GMD NNPC Mele Kyari; Senator Heineken Lokpobri, Minister of Petroleum State.

“Those corrupt villa cabals that have been bought over with millions of dollars, behind these alleged deal will all be disappointed by any means necessary’ should be investigated.”

They urged security agencies to ensure that those behind the threat were closely monitored and arrested to avert possible targeting of the nation’s critical economic assets in the Niger Delta.

“The Ijaw Youth Network commends President Bola Tinubu and his team for the renewal of the pipeline protection contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Limited.

“We in the IYN who have monitored the dedication of the Tantita team to the fight against the unprecedented theft of the nation’s resources believe that this President is ready to confront headlong the deadly cabal of oil thieves in Nigeria.

“By this decision, coming especially in the face of the sustained blackmail and pressure put up by detractors working for wealthy and highly influential oil thieves, the President and his government has shown that commendable dedication to the cause of Nigerians. We commend him.

“The IYN also has a world of encouragement for the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari who has been dispassionate in facing the challenge of oil theft in Nigeria.

“We urge him to ignore some disgruntled elements who have besieged the media space to blackmail him. Kyari has done the right thing by recommending the contract for renewal in view of the massive successes recorded by Tantita,” it added.

Meanwhile, former militant leaders and key stakeholders from the six States of the Niger Delta region at the weekend, met at the Okochi Palace of a former warlord, Ateke Tom, in Okrika kingdom of Rivers State over the sustained move to tackle crude oil theft.

Amongst those present at the meeting convened by Ateke were Alhaji Asari Dokubo, Chief Ajube Bibopiri ( popularly known as Gen. Shootatsight), and Hon. Victor Ben Ebikabowei (also known as Gen Boyloaf).

Sources close to the meeting confirmed that it was convened to discuss ways and strategies needed for overseeing the pipeline surveillance contract with the NNPCL.

According to the source, those in attendance also shared the objective of intensifying  efforts to combat oil theft in the area and agreed the contract be decentralised.

While more specific details of the gathering remained undisclosed, it was apparent that it marked a unified front against the persistent problem of oil theft in the region.

The stakeholders further expressed  commitment to boost collaborative endeavors aimed at safeguarding the pipelines and the interests of the NNPCL.

The collaborative seemed to possess a potential turning point in the ongoing struggle against oil theft, with far-reaching benefits for the entire region and the Nigerian economy.