Delta King alleges plot to sabotage pipeline security
By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
The traditional ruler of Idjerhe Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, His Majesty King Obukowho Monday Whiskey, Udurhie I, has alleged plots by oil bunkerers to destabilize the operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited owned by Chief Ekpemurkpolo Government Tompolo
He said the group plans to return the Niger Delta to an era of rampant pipeline vandalism.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Warri, the monarch urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate and decisive action to thwart what he described as a calculated attempt to sabotage his administration’s pipeline security initiatives.
According to the monarch, the plot specifically targets High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
King Whiskey, who also serves as Chairman of the Host Communities Traditional Rulers and Elders Advisory Council, cautioned the Federal Government not to succumb to what he called “well-designed orchestrated campaigns” intended to undermine national security efforts in the oil-rich region.
“The calculated media campaign against Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo and his Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited is nothing but a blackmail strategy aimed at disrupting the operations of the security outfit so that these illegal oil bunkerers can resume their nefarious activities,” the monarch stated.
He further alleged that the same group is also targeting Dr. Otuaro, “for ensuring that the right things are done to reposition the Amnesty Programme.”
King Whiskey called on critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta and patriotic Nigerians across the country to speak up in defense of national interest.
“If our national interest truly matters, it must take precedence over the selfish aims of those who have spent their lives profiting from pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft,” he said.
Describing the reforms within the Amnesty Programme as “visible and transformative,” the monarch emphasized the need for continued support from the Federal Government.
“The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must not cave in to these orchestrated campaigns, as doing so would plunge the Niger Delta back into the dark era of pipeline sabotage and widespread environmental degradation.”
He dismissed the credibility of the campaigners, saying:
“The Federal Government has its own evaluation mechanisms to assess the performance of government appointees and security contractors. These agents of darkness have no authority to serve as monitors.”
King Whiskey warned that the objective of the campaign is to discredit Tompolo and Otuaro in a bid to revive illicit oil bunkering operations in the region.
“As a critical stakeholder in the Niger Delta programme, I am confident that the Federal Government and its supervising agencies are satisfied with the high-impact work being done by Tantita Security Services Limited,” he noted.
“From restoring habitable environments to the return of aquatic life and clean water bodies, their achievements are undeniable. Any plot to turn the government against Tompolo and his security outfit will be an ill wind that blows no one any good.”
He concluded by calling for recognition rather than condemnation:
“Rather than castigate Tompolo and Otuaro, they should be commended. We all witnessed the deplorable state of our economy and environment before Tantita Security Services came into the picture.”
