A former President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Udengs Eradiri, has urged President Bola Tinubu to ignore calls for the cancellation of the oil and gas security surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services (TSS).
Eradiri warned that those pushing for the termination of the contract are enemies of the country who are seeking to return the Niger Delta to an era of violence, illegal oil bunkering and instability.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Eradiri said it was surprising that some individuals, driven by jealousy and resentment toward Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, the founder of Tantita, would campaign against a security arrangement that has contributed significantly to peace in the region.
He described the surveillance contract as one of the positive initiatives sustained by the Tinubu administration, noting that it has helped curb conflicts that previously contributed to declining oil production.
According to him, the activities of Tantita have stabilised the Niger Delta and made the region one of the most peaceful parts of the country in recent years.
Eradiri, a former Commissioner for Youths and later Environment in Bayelsa State, recalled that before the award of the contract, groups such as the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) had consistently demanded local participation in protecting oil and gas infrastructure within their communities.
He said the federal government responded to those demands by engaging Tompolo and his company, citing his level of community engagement, organisational capacity and commitment to peace.
Eradiri noted that since Tantita and its partners, including Mathew Tonlagha of Malon Engineering, took over the contract, they have ensured that its benefits reach stakeholders across the Niger Delta.
He added that the company’s leadership, including Managing Director Keston Pondei, has also demonstrated generosity by supporting vulnerable members of the community and contributing to local development efforts.
According to him, the surveillance contract has created employment opportunities for thousands of youths across the nine Niger Delta states, helping to improve livelihoods and reduce criminal activities.
Eradiri also attributed improved security along major routes in the region, including the East-West Road, to the engagement of local youths through the initiative.
He alleged that political opponents of President Tinubu were sponsoring campaigns against Tantita because of Tompolo’s support for the President and his commitment to mobilising support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Eradiri therefore urged the President to focus on the gains recorded since the contract was awarded and consider expanding the initiative rather than cancelling or reducing it.
“Tantita Security Services that is providing security for oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta is one of the positive things the administration has sustained,” he said.
He argued that the initiative has helped improve oil production and restore investor confidence in the region.
“Many foreign investments are coming into the Niger Delta and it is already creating jobs and economic opportunities for our people. Anyone calling for the cancellation of the contract does not mean well for the country,” he added.
Eradiri also praised Tompolo’s leadership style, noting that despite the resources available to him, the former militant leader continues to live among his people and remain actively involved in efforts to maintain peace in the region.
Blessing Ibunge
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