-
Coalition of pipeline host communities slams UPU President’s statement as divisive and misleading against Tantita
-
Group says company’s operations have brought security, jobs, and economic stability to Urhobo land.
-
A vote of confidence passed on Tantita Security Services amid rising tensions over PIA implementation.
The Concerned Urhobo Zeal, a coalition of pipeline-bearing communities in Delta State, has openly rejected the call by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) President-General, Chief Ese Gam, for the removal of Tantita Security Services from Urhobo land.
The coalition, in a statement signed by Johnny Obas, Chief Godwin Okporoko, Cassidy Eni Christian, Power Enerho, Princewill Ruona Ujeyah, EJenavi Austine Oteri, EtarigbobeThompson, Comr Omokpe Austine, Ukpobitere Kenneth and Panama Victor. described the UPU’s position as “misguided, selfish and utterly misleading,” insisting it does not reflect the collective interest of Urhobo pipeline host communities.
“That publication does not represent the collective voice, interest or lived reality of Urhobo pipeline host communities. It is an embarrassing display of elitist detachment, personal agenda and a gross misrepresentation of the truth,” the statement read.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
The coalition highlighted the significant achievements of Tantita Security Services since its engagement by the Federal Government, including the drastic reduction of oil theft, restoration of peace to creeks and pipeline routes, and creation of thousands of jobs for local youths.
According to the group, “Tantita’s presence is felt from the palaces of our traditional rulers to the smallest hamlets in our oil-producing communities. To dismiss such a positive legacy as a profit-driven mission is not only intellectually dishonest, it is offensive.”
They accused Chief Ese Gam and his associates of attempting to manipulate the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to promote ethnic exclusion, warning that such tactics undermine national security and economic recovery efforts.
“The PIA does not promote ethnic monopoly or exclusion. It champions competence, efficiency and partnership. Tantita is not an outsider. It is a tested and trusted partner, operating within the legal framework of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement added.
The Concerned Urhobo Zeal passed a unanimous vote of confidence on Tantita Security Services and its leadership, praising the company for providing employment, security, and infrastructure to oil-producing communities.
READ ALSO: Urhobo Christian Crested Arabic Inscription on Army Logo, MURIC Reveals
“We stand with Truth. We stand with Progress. We stand with Tantita,” the coalition declared, while cautioning political actors against destabilising structures that are working for the benefit of host communities and the nation at large.
