Coordinators of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and President Generals of all Urhobo communities have firmly rejected the recent call by the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) urging the Federal Government to terminate the oil pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita.
At a well-attended press briefing held in Ughelli, which drew over 2,000 employees of Tantita, community leaders unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the company’s management, hailing its contributions to youth employment, security, and development in Urhobo land.
According to the leaders, Tantita Security Services has become the largest employer of labour in Urhobo nation, engaging more than 3,500 Urhobo youths across 88 communities within 16 kingdoms.
“As of today, Tantita employs over 3,500 Urhobo indigenes, covering 88 communities in 16 Urhobo kingdoms,” the statement read. “Almost 4,000 Urhobo sons and daughters receive monthly wages as operatives and coordinators, making Tantita the single largest employer in Urhobo land.”
The leaders emphasized that Tantita’s operations in Urhobo areas have significantly reduced pipeline vandalism, illegal oil bunkering, and environmental degradation. They also noted that the company’s surveillance and protection efforts involve full participation from host communities.
“Every kilometre of pipeline that traverses Urhobo land is protected 100% by Urhobo indigenes. Communities from Iwhremeragha to Unenurhie, Kokori to Oguname-Olomu, Ovwiamuge-Agbarho to Ugbomro, Mosogar to Arhavwarhien are all working actively with Tantita to secure national assets,” the statement continued.
Responding to the UPU’s publication which claimed that a “General Assembly of the Urhobo people” resolved to reject Tantita’s presence, the Coordinators challenged the credibility of such a claim. “Where is the notice of the meeting? Where are the minutes? Who authorized this assembly?” they queried.
They cautioned against using socio-cultural platforms like the UPU to advance personal or political interests, calling such moves a deviation from the founding values of the UPU.
Speaking on behalf of the President Generals, Chief Ukpebitere, the President General of Evwreni Community, warned against sowing division between the Urhobo Nation and Tantita Security Services. “No one should create disunity for personal gain. Urhobo people should disregard such misleading publications and continue to support Tantita’s positive impact in our communities,” he said.
The highlight of the gathering was the unanimous vote of confidence passed on the leadership of Tantita, including High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, Mr. Kestin Pondi, and Dr. Paul Bebenimibo. The motion was raised by the National President of the Urhobo Youth Council, Mr. Godspower Enerho, and was adopted without dissent.
The event reaffirms the growing support for Tantita Security Services in the Niger Delta and casts doubt on recent criticisms of its operations in Urhobo land.
