Urhobo leader urges Tinubu to sustain pipeline surveillance collaboration

A prominent Urhobo leader, Ambassador Freeman A. MacAnthony, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sustain the Federal Government’s collaboration with Tantita Security Services Limited and Maton Engineering Company Limited, citing progress in the fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta.

MacAnthony, also known as Gadaffi and Special Envoy, South South, International Human Rights Protection Service (IHRPS), made the appeal on Tuesday while addressing concerns over the pipeline surveillance contracts awarded to the two firms.

He said, “It has become imperative to issue this press statement to address the controversy generated over the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Limited and Maton Engineering Company Limited.”

The Urhobo leader described criticisms directed at Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, and the firms as unnecessary, urging stakeholders to unite. “Personally, it is my view that the attacks on High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias, Tompolo and Tantita Security Services Limited, and Mr. Mathew Tonlagha's Maton Engineering Company Limited because of the pipeline surveillance contract, were unnecessary, but I am calling on all stakeholders to unite and work together with Tantita and Maton,” he said.

MacAnthony, the Enemute of Agbarho Kingdom, noted that many residents, particularly youths, were benefiting from the firms. “Information available to me confirmed that multitude of people especially the youths across the Niger Delta are benefitting from Tantita Security Services Limited and Maton Engineering Company Limited,” he said.

He added that both companies have been effective in tackling oil theft and pipeline vandalism, working closely with traditional rulers and stakeholders. “As a stakeholder, I can attest to the good work being done by both Tantita Security Services Limited, and Maton Engineering Company Limited in curtailing the ugly menace of illegal crude oil bunkering and pipeline vandalization in the Niger Delta region,” he said, adding, “It is a fact that Tantita Security Services Limited and Maton Engineering Company Limited are working closely with Traditional Rulers, President Generals of Host Communities, and stakeholders in and outside the region.”

MacAnthony said the Federal Government was recording gains due to the firms’ performance, including increased oil production and employment opportunities for youths. “It is a fact that the significant increase in daily production was due to patriotism, sacrifice, commitment and capacity demonstrated by Tompolo and Tantita Security Services Limited and Maton Engineering Company Limited,” he said.

He also highlighted their broader contributions, including addressing youth restiveness and drug abuse, as well as corporate social responsibility efforts. “Apart from securing pipelines and critical assets, Tantita Security Services Limited is also helping government in tackling youth restiveness, drug abuse through massive sensitization and providing business grants to deserving entrepreneurs across the country,” he said.

Urging the President to ignore calls for termination or decentralisation of the contracts, MacAnthony said, “Instead, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should sustain the collaboration by expanding the contracts to accommodate more stakeholders and communities in the region.” He commended Tompolo, Tantita’s Managing Director, Chief Kestin Pondi, and Maton Engineering Company Limited, adding, “I am a security expert, and want to state that Tompolo contributes to the relative peace and security being enjoyed in Niger Delta.”