Ebikeme family to National Assembly: Don’t listen to Saboteurs, Crude oil thieves to cancel pipeline contracts handled by Tantita
The Ebikeme Family Worldwide in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdomb in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, are adding their voices to those in support of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) to safeguard National oil pipeline infrastructures in the Niger Delta of Nigeria as assigned by the Federal Government through the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The family expressed disappointment at the barrage of recent attacks against the TSSNL chaired by their Illustrious sons and leaders, High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, Engr..Matthew Tonlagha, as well managed by another of their proud son, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, FNSE FNIIS,
The Ebikeme family in their statement signed by Elder Godspine Ebikeme , Chief (Barr.) Bosin Ebikeme, Chief October Ebikeme and Hon. Shadrach Onitsha Ebikeme stressed that despite the historic and undisputed achievements of the security firm in turning around the misfortunes in the oil and gas industry by eradicating to the barest minimum, crude oil theft, the reduction of the pollution of their habitat, and most importantly, the recoup of lost revenues from the illegal activities of saboteurs and oil thieves.
According to the 18th-century philosopher, Edmund Burke, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Hence, we are obliged to call on our honourable lawmakers in the National Assembly to practically look at the results of TSSNL, and not be hoodwinked by those who parade nothing, but sentiments in furthering their cause to create confusion and to return the nation on the infamous paths of backwardness.
“We are more concerned, arising from the fact that the securing of oil pipeline did not begin with TSSNL. Nobody ever raised any concerns against security contractors tasked with the job, like they are currently doing as regards to the TSSNL. This has made us feel inclined to believe that this unrealistic call to cancel or review the contract is an agenda set in motion by oil thieves behind this campaign of calumny because it is no longer business as usual for them.
“With the achievements and astounding performance of TSSNL, there is no need for the authorities to even entertain such calls. Rather, the TSSNL contract of pipeline surveillance should be expanded as the security firm has performed incredibly beyond any doubt. The testimonies are there in the public space, however permit us to say that, as we speak, thousands of unemployed youths have been employed, individuals and businesses have been empowered, even public infrastructures have been donated by the TSSNL, beyond their corporate social responsibility, to ensure their fair contributions to the growth and development of the Niger Delta region.
“Those clamouring for the stoppage of the contract are truly enemies of progress and are never true friends of the Niger Delta people. These persons do not care for the effect such will have on the thousands that are benefitting from the generosity of TSSNL. The war against oil theft is not one to be fought by brooms and sticks, or by a shallow mentality devoid of strategic reasoning, but instead it calls for patriotism, focus, strategic collaboration and partnership as TSSNL is currently doing.
“Those in authority should not forget where we are coming from. Once bitten, twice shy, so goes a popular adage. TSSNL deserves support from every well-meaning individuals and groups, including the honourable members of the National Assembly. At least, that is what anyone who means well for the Niger Delta and for Nigeria at large should do”
