Tompolo speaks out about his fight against oil theft, revealing backlash from perpetrators as he intensifies efforts to protect Nigeria’s resources.
Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has claimed that influential figures involved in oil theft across the country are upset with him for revealing their illicit activities.
He voiced the allegations in Oporoza, his hometown and the administrative center of Gbaramatu Kingdom, during a visit from members of the Nigerian Bar Association.
He also claimed that his life was continuously threatened.
He stated that a few days ago, some naval personnel attacked operatives of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited—an independent organization contracted by the federal government to safeguard oil and gas infrastructure in certain parts of the Niger Delta region—during an operation arresting suspected oil thieves along the Port-Harcourt Creeks.
During a working visit by the NBA’s national executives, led by its president Afam Osigwe (SAN), to the oil-rich community, Tompolo emphasized the need for collaboration between the navy and other security organizations.
He mentioned that while working on this project, they have upset many people in both Lagos and Abuja. They’ve encountered significant opposition. As a result of ongoing court cases, he is unable to travel due to the conflict with influential individuals involved in the situation.
“If I plan to travel to Abuja to visit you, I’ll need security with me. Despite having two or three security personnel, none of them are pleased with me and they have begun collaborating with key figures involved in oil theft.”
Often, you notice that Tantita Security frequently has conflicts with the navy. Every well-informed Nigerian understands the roles of both the Nigerian Navy and Tantita, yet no one is willing to acknowledge this reality openly.
“If we need to arrest anyone now, we’ll hire a lawyer from Abuja, Lagos, or Ibadan to handle the case effectively.”
Tompolo voiced concern that attempts to curb crude oil theft were being undermined in certain areas.
A few days ago, our team intercepted a vessel in Port Harcourt. During the incident, the Nigerian Navy was firing at Tantita Security personnel who were accompanied by police officers, members of the Department of State Services, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps staff.
We earnestly urge and plead with the NBA to continue playing under the current circumstances. If we’re not cautious, we might find ourselves without sufficient funds for any significant activities in this country.
We are all aware that Nigeria is experiencing difficult times, with the price of a bag of rice exceeding 100,000 naira.
We are committed to taking action at the local level. However, as a leading organization (NBA), your influence is significant. When arrests occur, lawyers will be involved on both sides of the situation.
Meanwhile, Afam Osigwe, the President of the NBA, stated that the organization is firmly opposing oil theft in Nigeria.
He stressed the importance of lawyers actively participating in prosecuting crude oil theft cases to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
READ ALSO: EFCC Commences Probe into 13 Suspected Oil Thieves in Lagos
The NBA president, along with the members of the National Executive Council, praised Tantita Security Services for its surveillance efforts that have led to an increase in oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day.
The president remarked that an increase in oil production would benefit everyone and enable the government to meet the needs of its citizens.
The battle against oil theft is more crucial now than ever, as Nigeria heavily borrows to finance its budget and cannot fulfill the needs of its citizens.
Expressing concern about the federal government’s ongoing borrowing to finance the budget, the NBA president asserted that addressing inefficiencies in oil production would significantly enhance the country’s revenue.
The NBA team also expressed concern that oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta have negatively affected the region, resulting in environmental pollution and degradation of many host communities.
In response, the NBA president stated, “We decided to conduct an on-the-ground evaluation of the oil-producing communities to understand the hardships they are experiencing.”
The NBA is concerned about oil theft and the impact of environmental pollution and degradation caused by oil exploration on host communities.
Ironically, the communities responsible for the nation’s oil wealth do not benefit from it as much as most cities in the country do.
