King Obukowho Monday Whiskey, the traditional ruler of Idjerhe Kingdom in Delta State, Nigeria, has brought to light an alleged conspiracy orchestrated by oil bunkerers to undermine the operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a company contracted to protect pipelines in the Niger Delta region. The monarch asserts that this plot is a deliberate attempt to sabotage the current administration’s efforts to curb oil theft and pipeline vandalism, ultimately aiming to return the region to the era of rampant illicit activities. King Whiskey specifically identifies High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, the head of Tantita Security, and Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, as the primary targets of this campaign. He urges President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action against these alleged conspirators and their destabilizing actions.
The king contends that the ongoing media campaign and attacks against Tompolo and Tantita Security are a calculated strategy to discredit the company and disrupt its operations. This, he argues, would create an opening for the oil bunkerers to resume their illegal activities, wreaking havoc on the environment and the nation’s economy. The monarch also highlights the criticism directed at Dr. Otuaro, suggesting that it stems from his efforts to reform and reposition the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which aims to rehabilitate ex-militants in the Niger Delta. King Whiskey calls upon concerned stakeholders and patriotic Nigerians to speak up against these alleged saboteurs, emphasizing the importance of national interest over the selfish motives of a few individuals who profit from illegal activities.
The king emphasizes the transformative changes brought about by Tantita Security and the repositioned Amnesty Programme, pointing to the restoration of habitable environments, the return of aquatic life, and cleaner water bodies. He argues that any attempts to incite the Federal Government against Tompolo and Tantita would be detrimental to the region and the country as a whole. King Whiskey underscores the importance of the Federal Government relying on its own evaluation procedures to assess the performance of its appointees and contractors, rather than being swayed by unsubstantiated accusations. He expresses confidence in the achievements of Tantita Security, asserting that they have significantly improved the environmental and economic conditions in the Niger Delta.
King Whiskey characterizes the alleged plot as a blackmail tactic designed to force the government to abandon its successful security strategy and allow the return of illegal oil bunkering. He believes that the perpetrators are aiming to discredit Tompolo and Otuaro in the eyes of the Federal Government, thereby paving the way for their own illicit operations to resume. The monarch maintains that instead of being criticized, Tompolo and Otuaro deserve commendation for their contributions to the region’s peace and stability. He reminds everyone of the dire state of the Niger Delta before Tantita Security’s intervention, with rampant environmental damage and economic losses due to oil theft and vandalism.
The king’s statement is a direct appeal to President Tinubu and the Federal Government to resist the alleged pressure from these vested interests and continue supporting the efforts of Tantita Security and the reformed Amnesty Programme. He stresses that succumbing to these alleged blackmail tactics would be a setback for the Niger Delta and would reverse the progress made in curbing illegal oil bunkering and restoring the environment. He frames the situation as a critical juncture where the government must choose between supporting the ongoing positive changes or allowing the region to slide back into the chaos and destruction of the past.
The core of King Whiskey’s message is a plea for continued support for the current security measures in the Niger Delta and a warning against the dangers of undermining the efforts of those working to combat illegal oil bunkering. He portrays the situation as a battle between those seeking to protect the region’s environment and economy and those who profit from its destruction. By highlighting the alleged conspiracy and the potential consequences of its success, the king seeks to mobilize public opinion and government action to prevent a relapse into the dark days of widespread oil theft and environmental degradation. He emphasizes the need to prioritize national interests over the selfish agendas of those who benefit from illicit activities, ultimately advocating for a sustained commitment to peace, security, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
