Pipeline Surveillance : Why Olu of Warri PINL contract of $3.9M was terminated by NNPCL-NDSF

**Asks Monarch To Come Clean Over Alleged Mismanagement of $3.9M Monthly Surveillance Contract

The Niger Delta Stakeholders’ Forum (NDSF) has alleged that incompetence and non performance made against Pipelines Infrastructures Nigerian Limited (PINL), owned by the the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III in the handling of the Trans – Forcados Pipelines network system surveillance and protection contract led to the termination of the $3.9M Monthly Contract by the NNPCL

The group said that Chief Government Chief Ekpemupolo, (alias Tompolo) and his security firm, Tanitita Security Services Nigeria Limited should not be dragged into the woes of the Olu of Warri and his PINL, saying that “Tantita cannot be blame for PINL losses”.

According to the group also, the same accusations of negligence, dereliction of duty and outright incompetence, in the handling of the Rivers State pipelines contract was also in the card.

The Group in a Statement on Saturday signed by Chief Julius Daukoru declared that; “They know PINL has no boots in the field, hence his areas of operation are porous and easily accessible to oil thieves.

NDSF while blasting the Olu of Warri asked the monarch to provide answers to posers over his incompetence and incapacity saying that maligning Tompolo’s Tanitita over the termination of PINL Trans-Forcados Pipeline Network System Contract was not going to change the facts.

The narrative, Chief Julius Daukoru, said has drifted from showcasing concrete facts and evidence, into worthless diatribes and ethnic smearing and accusations, which is unhealthy for the spirit of brotherhood and peace being enjoyed in Warri and environs, in recent times.

According to him, no amount of propaganda, names – calling and lies could take the place of truth, nor supplant facts, adding that only a person who schemes in unwholesome intentions, would dance in the market place and then turnaround to allege that someone did it to impugn his character – as if the watching public was blindfolded.

He wrote that; “The Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwase III, was recently fingered for masterminding the Itsekiri Lagos protests and similar campaigns of attrition, against Tantita and Chief Government Ekpemupolo, over the termination of his PINL, Trans – Forcados Pipelines surveillance contract”.

“To mask his involvement, the Royal Father is fighting ferociously – firing from all cylinders to exonerate his name, and cover up the unsavoury show of shame, carried out by his allies and hirelings, especially an Itsekiri oil thief ally of his, who lately has been hibernating in Lagos, from where he perpetuated and coordinated his illicit trade of illegal oil bunkering”, Chief Julius Daukoru added.

He stated that writing under duplicitous, faceless names and groups, like, the Niger Delta Watch and Children of Drivers and fishermen, the monarch accused Tantita of adopting Nollywood style in its assignment to secure and protect pipelines in the Niger Delta Region, adding that! “They further alleged that Tompolo and Tantita are playing up ethnic supremacy to harass and intimidate PINL workers, in order to sabotage the nation’s oil assets”.

While saying that the foregoing are weighty accusations that demanded proof and authentication, noted that had these allegations been made by the management of Pipelines Infrastructures Nigerian Limited (PINL), owned by the monarch, they would have been taken seriously.

“But as it is, they were made by Children of Drivers and Fishermen – nonexistent nomenclature, hirelings, writing in the corridors of the Olu Palace in Warri. No one should therefore take them serious, as Tantita has done. They merely casted about and avoided the real issue in context, namely: incompetence and non performance made against the Olu of Warri’s PINL, in the handling of the Trans – Forcados Pipelines network system surveillance and protection contract”, he said.

Here Is The Full Statement From The Group, NDSF:

NIGER DELTA STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM (NDSF)

MALIGNING TOMPOLO’S TANTITA OVER THE TERMINATION OF PINL TRANS – FORCADOS PIPELINES NETWORK SYSTEM CONTRACT WON’T CHANGE THE FACTS

The narrative has drifted from showcasing concrete facts and evidence, into worthless diatribes and ethnic smearing and accusations, which is unhealthy for the spirit of brotherhood and peace we enjoy in Warri and environs, in recent times.

In fact, no amount of propaganda, names – calling and lies can take the place of truth, nor supplant facts. Only a person who schemes in unwholesome intentions, would dance in the market place and then turnaround to allege that someone did it to impugn his character – as if the watching public was blindfolded.

The Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwase III, was recently fingered for masterminding the Itsekiri Lagos protests and similar campaigns of attrition, against Tantita and Chief Government Ekpemupolo, over the termination of his PINL, Trans – Forcados Pipelines surveillance contract.

To mask his involvement, the Royal Father is fighting ferociously – firing from all cylinders to exonerate his name, and cover up the unsavoury show of shame, carried out by his allies and hirelings, especially an Itsekiri oil thief ally of his, who lately has been hibernating in Lagos, from where he perpetuated and coordinated his illicit trade of illegal oil bunkering.

Writing under duplicitous, faceless names and groups, like, the Niger Delta Watch and Children of Drivers and fishermen, the monarch accused Tantita of adopting Nollywood style in its assignment to secure and protect pipelines in the Niger Delta.

They further alleged that Tompolo and Tantita are playing up ethnic supremacy to harass and intimidate PINL workers, in order to sabotage the nation’s oil assets.

The foregoing are weighty accusations that demand proof and authentication. Had these allegations been made by the management of Pipelines Infrastructures Nigerian Limited (PINL), owned by the monarch, they would have been taken seriously.

But as it is, they were made by Children of Drivers and Fishermen – nonexistent nomenclature, hirelings, writing in the corridors of the Olu Palace in Warri. No one should therefore take them serious, as Tantita has done.

They merely casted about and avoided the real issue in context, namely: incompetence and non performance made against the Olu of Warri’s PINL, in the handling of the Trans – Forcados Pipelines network system surveillance and protection contract.

The same accusations of negligence, dereliction of duty and outright incompetence, in the handling of the Rivers State pipelines contract is also in the card. The public may be fooled, but he can’t pull the wool over the eyes of the authorities. They know PINL has no boots in the field, hence his areas of operation are porous and easily accessible to oil thieves.

If Tantita uses Nollywood methods to apprehend crude bunkering vessels and equipment and as well arrest oil thieves. Many of whom are undergoing prosecution, why has the Olu of Warri’s PINL not use similar style in its operations?

At least some results would have been achieved, to give credit to PINL activities – as it goes about discharging its obligations to the contract. The facts however are in contradistinction to his claims.

The monarch’s workforce is not on ground anywhere in the Niger Delta Region, but maybe on paper. The fragrance of a soap is savoured in the bathroom. He can’t browbeat the authorities to acquiesce. They know the truth, that his company performed miserably.

What may be taken from both publications by his unserious hirelings, the Niger Delta Watch and the ridiculous Children of Drivers and Fishermen, is that, they are completely ignorant of the subject matter they were summoned to address.

Neither were they properly briefed before they went on the rampage. They wrote disjointedly and could not defend the allegation of incompetence and non performance on the field levelled against PINL.

How could the roughnecks imply that the Nigerian Navy had problems with Tantita, and Tompolo had to use top government connections in Abuja to sweep the matter under the carpet? May be this was to instigate the Navy against Tantita. But it was a shot fired in the dark. It failed to hit the bullseye.

The Nigerian Navy is one of the best in Africa, and with some of the finest personnel. Tantita can never rub shoulders with them. All previous misunderstandings they had WERE amicably cleared, they now collaborate to secured the Federal Government oil assets.

So far a lot has been said about Tantita’s transparent style of operation, both here and in previous accounts of the outfit’s performance.

Interestingly enough, a prominent Itsekiri and close ally of the Olu of Warri, Mr. Godwin Ebosa, in a full page publication on Page 13, in the Vanguard of Friday, May 3rd, 2024, admitted that the Itsekiri ethnic nationality has benefitted immensely from the Tantita contract.

He further admitted being a sub-contractor to Tantita and that the private security outfit employed many of his kinsman. He also added that as a sub contractor, he employed over 200 workers, mostly of Itsekiri to work in his area of supervision.

He wrote, ” Like it was mentioned in some of the publications, I am one Itsekiri that has benefitted as a sub – contractor to Tantita to handle some portions of the surveillance job.

There others too, and like me, all Itsekiri sub – contractors employ many Itsekiri in the project. I, for one, employed over 200 Itsekiris in various capacities.”

The Itsekiri elite also acknowledged that Tantita had delivered on its mandate to the satisfaction of the critical stakeholders.

These include, Mr. President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the National Assembly, top brass of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic and members of the NUJ.

The publication by Godwin Ebosa therefore cast doubts on the frivolous claims of the Olu’s hirelings. Taking his narrative further, he said,

” So, it is untrue to state that Itsekiri are marginalized and not benefitting from the project being handled by Tantita. It is on this premise that I appeal for calm among those involved in the diatribe – contracts are not won or awarded through protest and propaganda.”

The foregoing narrative on the protests and accusations are explicit enough. It cleared every misconception for those uninformed. The facts speak for themselves.

Tantita cannot be blame for PINL losses. It shot itself in the foot for incompetence and dereliction of duties. No amount of papering over the cracks would change the facts.

SIGNED:
CHIEF JULIUS DAUKORU

Ebosa appeals for calm, understanding over media battle with Olu of Warri, Tompolo

**Says “I am one Itsekiri that has benefitted as a sub – contractor to Tantita”

**Employed over 200 Itsekiris in various capacities

In the midst of escalating tensions surrounding the award of pipelines surveillance contracts by the NNPCL in the Niger Delta region, prominent figure, a prominent Itsekiri Leader and former chairman of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State,Chief Godwin Ebosa has stepped forward to advocate for peace and understanding among all parties involved.

The controversy, which should have been a source of empowerment for the people, is creating division and discord among the people.

Ebosa, in a statement released to the press, emphasized the importance of preventing the situation from escalating further, warning that allowing the controversy to fester could inflame ethnic tensions and create damaging rifts within the people.

Expressing his concern over the potential consequences of the ongoing conflict, Ebosa highlighted the need for unity and cooperation among all stakeholders.

Notably, Ebosa stressed the longstanding history of coexistence between the Ijaws and Itsekiris in the region, stressing the shared destinies and intertwined histories of the two ethnic groups.

He cautioned against allowing divisive economic interests to drive a wedge between the communities, urging for the preservation of the current peace and harmony in the area.

Recognizing the danger of misinformation and misinterpretation in fueling the controversy, Ebosa called on all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and seek common ground for the greater good of the communities and their development.

He underlined the importance of informed discussions and a commitment to finding peaceful resolutions to contentious issues.

“I can recall that following requests by the management of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as NNPCL was then known, 3 years ago, that private security companies submitted profiles to bid for pipelines surveillance and protection contracts, I recommended Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, as a fit and suitable person for the job.

“And true to my expectations, Tantita has been doing a good job – and it is being commended for it.

“Glad that Tompolo didn’t disappoint me as widely acknowledged by relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Government. I am also glad to be part of the success story.

“As it was mentioned in some of the publications, I am one Itsekiri that has benefitted as a sub – contractor to Tantita to handle some portions of the surveillance job.

“There are others too, and like me, all the Itsekiri sub-contractors employed many Itsekiris in the project. I, for one, employed over 200 Itsekiris in various capacities.

“So, it is untrue to state that Itsekiris are marginalized and not benefitting from the project being handled by Tantita.

“It is on this premise that I appeal for calm among those involved in the diatribes – contracts are not won or awarded through protests and propaganda.

“From my digging for the facts, I found no connections in the series of protests that took place in Lagos and other places against Tantita and Tompolo, with our revered Royal Majesty, The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III.

“There is no shred of evidence to link the King with any of the protests, nor his support for such pedestrian display. It is therefore unnecessary to add his name to the unsavoury controversy.

“The Olu of Warri should be spared the troubles and should be completely dissociated from the avalanche of the current intrigues.

“Our people should forthwith end the casting of aspersions and the fanning embers of disunity.

“As I have said earlier, there are professional methods of winning contracts, they are not won through protests and mid slingings.

“It is only through peace and harmony that progress and development are achieved. We must shun divisive tendencies – actions and utterances likely to inflame tempers, impede peace and return our place to the dark days of the past.

“All hands must be on deck for this.

“Our ancestors lived convivially – let us tow that path.

“Let us continue to live like brothers and sisters and follow laid down procedures and methods in the pursuit of business interests, as well as politics.

“In conclusion, I ask that the Itsekiri traditional ruler, His Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, must not be dragged in the ensuing tirades. He did not sponsor any protest against Tompolo and Tantita.

“The monarch is very civilised and intellectually well equipped to appropriately modulate business interest. He won’t resort to pedestrian methods to achieve his goals.

“In fact, I call for an immediate and total ceasefire,” Ebosa said.

As the controversy over the Trans-Forcados Pipelines Surveillance Contract continues to dominate public discourse, Godwin Ebosa’s plea for peace and understanding serves as a timely reminder of the need for unity and cooperation in addressing challenges facing the Niger Delta region.

Here Is The Full Statement From Godwin Ebosa:

CONTROVERSY OVER TRANS-FORCADOS PIPELINES SURVEILLANCE CONTRACT: GODWIN EBOSA SUES FOR PEACE, UNDERSTANDING

My attention has been drawn to the on – going altercations in the social and conventional media over the award of pipelines surveillance contracts by the NNPCL in the Niger Delta.

What should have been a thing of joy for the people, as a means of empowerment – is rather polarizing and pulling them apart.

It is on this note that I am joining the issue and as well calling for a cease fire among all parties in the brickbat.

If the raging controversy is ignored to fester, it will stoke ethnic tensions and create divides – with its attendant deeper and unintended consequences.

In fact, I am particularly concerned and committed to sue for peace and understanding because in some of the publications, my humble name was copiously mentioned.

The Ijaws and Itsekiris have come a long way – living side by side.

For centuries, their destinies had intertwined.

Therefore, divisive economic interest should not come between to once again pull both ethnic nationalities apart.

The present prevailing peace and harmony in the area should be sustained and build upon in the interest of the overall development of our communities and people.

When an issue of this nature comes up, bystanders who are ignorant of the facts are usually the first to hijack and run with it, which always leads to undesired endings.

I can recall that following requests by the management of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as NNPCL was then known, 3 years ago, that private security companies submitted profiles to bid for pipelines surveillance and protection contracts, I recommended Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, as a fit and suitable person for the job.

And true to my expectations, Tantita has been doing a good job – and it is being commended for it.

Glad that Tompolo didn’t disappointed me as widely acknowledged by relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Government. I am also glad to be part of the success story.

As it was mentioned in some of the publications, I am one Itsekiri that has benefitted as a sub – contractor to Tantita to handle some portions of the surveillance job.

There are others too, and like me, all the Itsekiri sub-contractors employed many Itsekiris in the project. I, for one, employed over 200 Itsekiris in various capacities.

So, it is untrue to state that Itsekiris are marginalized and not benefitting from the project being handled by Tantita.

It is on this premise that I appeal for calm among those involved in the diatribes – contracts are not won or awarded through protests and propaganda.

From my digging for the facts, I found no connections in the series of protests that took place in Lagos and other places against Tantita and Tompolo, with our revered Royal Majesty, The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III.

There is no shred of evidence to link the King with any of the protests, nor his support for such pedestrian display. It is therefore unnecessary to add his name to the unsavoury controversy.

The Olu of Warri should be spared the troubles and should be completely dissociated from the avalanche of the current intrigues.

Our people should forthwith end the casting of aspersions and the fanning embers of disunity.

As I have said above earlier, there are professional methods of winning contracts – protests and mudslinging are formulas.

It is only through peace and harmony that progress and development are achieved. We must shun divisive tendencies – actions and utterances likely to inflame tempers, impede peace and return our place to the dark days of the past.

All hands must be on deck for this.

Our ancestors lived convivially – let us tow that path.

Let us continue to live like brothers as sisters and follow laid down procedures and methods in the pursuit of business interests, as well as politics.

In conclusion, I ask that the Itsekiri traditional ruler, His Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, must not be dragged in the ensuing tirades. He did not sponsor any protest against Tompolo and Tantita.

The monarch is very civilised and intellectually well equipped to appropriately modulate business interest. He won’t resort to pedestrian methods to achieve his goals.

In fact, I call for an immediate and total ceasefire.

The good Lord bless us all.

SIGNED:
MR. GODWIN EBOSA

Why Pipelines Surveillance Contract Of Olu Of Warri Was purportedly Terminated-  Itsekiri Oil Producing Communities Forum 

The last may not have been heard about the recent sponsored protests in Lagos and parts of Delta against Tanitita Security Services Nigeria Limited as members of the Itsekiri Oil Producing Communities Forum (IOPCSF), on Wednesday accused their Royal Father, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase 111, of masterminding the protest against Chief Government Ekpemupolo, (alias Tompolo) and his Tanitita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

In a letter to the President, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the group alleged that; “Our revered monarch, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III, was the mastermind and orchestrator of the cacophony, in collaboration with one of his allies, a notable oil thief”.

According to the group, failed Surveillance contractors were behind the Lagos and Delta protests against Tanitita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).

They also offered explanation on why the Olu of Warri’s $3.9M monthly Trans- Forcados Pipeline Surveillance contract was terminated by the NNPCL.

In the letter signed by David Aniretan ( (Chairman) and Oritsejolomi Julius ( Publicity Secretary), they took their monarch, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwase III, the Olu of Warri, took him to the cleaners, saying that “Despite the $3.9M the Royal Father draws every month, many of us his subjects are in glaring want and abject poverty, while His Majesty rides on the latest brands of limousines. Our own royal father is only concerned about himself and his clique of Lagos boys. We are not factored in his activities”.

They wrote; “We are writing this open letter to you on behalf of Concerned Itsekiris of Delta state and most of us are among the over 12,000 Itsekiri workforce of a private pipelines surveillance company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) operated by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo”.

“It is obvious and now an open secret that series of protests in Lagos and some parts of Itsekiri axis of Delta state to denounce and discredit Tantita Security Services Nig. Limited and its promoter Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, were sponsored by rivals who bungled their pipelines surveillance contracts and had their jobs terminated by the NNPCL”, they added.

The group claimed that; Those who carried placards were a rented crowd of gullible Itsekiri and non Itsekiris.In fact, are Itsekiri resident in Lagos kept in one place to be easily herded for a protest? It was a charade.Our revered monarch, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III, was the mastermind and orchestrator of the cacophony, in collaboration with one of his allies, a notable oil thief”.

The group disclosed that; “The Olu of Warri’s pipelines surveillance contract was among those terminated by the Federal Government for non performance. He is dragging Tantita because part of the areas under the supervision of his company – Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL) were given to Tantita, Tompolo’s security firm”.

According to them; “For those without a clue, it is well to give some background. As a major trunkline, the Trans-Forcados Pipelines system carries between 200,000 to 240,000 barrels of crude oil per day. It is the largest network of pipelines in the Niger Delta, second only to the Bonny Oil Pipeline system”

“It serves the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Seplat Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Shoreline National Resources (SNR) in the routing of crude for export and domestic services.The contract for the surveillance and protection of this all important federal government oil assets was awarded to Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL), owned and operated by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III”, the group added.

They further explain that; “The Olu of Warri’s contract was recently terminated by the NNPCL for dereliction of responsibilities, negligence and incompetence. The areas under the company’s sphere of influence suffered frequent vandalization of crude carrying pipelines – breaches that climaxed in uninterrupted oil theft, that led to billions of dollars losses in export revenue for the federal government”.

The group also wrote that; Yet the royal father pretended all was well. The federal government was however not oblivious to the lapses of PINL, owned by the Olu. Having no other alternative nor option, the hammer fell – the Olu’s contract was terminated.The national interest cannot differ to individual interest, be they royal.In performance appraisal – the NNPCL oversees the operation of all private security organisations handling pipelines protection work. It found Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, quite capable, serious and very responsible. The Trans – Forcados Pipelines network formerly handled by the Olu of Warri’s PINL, after the termination, was awarded to Tantita.vNo other reason suffices than the above, why the monarch mobilized his henchmen and foot soldiers – most of them based in Lagos, to crusade and demand the head of Tompolo and his affiliate company Tantita.The fake tears of the Olu’s hatchet men should not perturb the authority nor anyone. It is self serving”.

They advised that the ethnic card which the Olu now plays should be ignored, adding that;
“Tompolo and Tantita, have worked with the Itsekiri without discrimination .We emphasised here that Tompolo is our benefactor as he never discriminated against us in the management of his surveillance job. Out of the over 25,000 workers engaged on the job by Tantita, over 12,000 are Itsekiri, who are the subjects of the Olu. Aside that Tantita also engaged two prominent Itsekiri citizens, namely, Chief Ayirimi Emami and Mr. Godwin Ebosa as sub-contractors. Ebosa and Emami also jet home with billions of Naira every month, courtesy of an Ijaw man, Tompolo.

Here Is The Full Letter From The Itsekiri Oil Producing Communities Forum (IOPCSF) To President Tinubu:

ITSEKIRI OIL PRODUCING COMMUNITIES STAKEHOLDERS FORUM (IOPCSF)

FAILED SURVEILLANCE CONTRACTORS BEHIND LAGOS AND DELTA PROTESTS AGAINST TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES NIGERIA LIMITED (TSSNL)

*WHY OLU OF WARRI’s $3.9M MONTHLY TRANS-FORCADOS PIPELINE SURVEILLANCE CONTRACT WAS TERMINATED BY NNPCL.

ATTENTION:

ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU
PRESIDENT & COMMANDER-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Compliments and Kind wishes, sir.

We are writing this open letter to you on behalf of Concerned Itsekiris of Delta state and most of us are among the over 12,000 Itsekiri workforce of a private pipelines surveillance company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) operated by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.

It is obvious and now an open secret that series of protests in Lagos and some parts of Itsekiri axis of Delta state to denounce and discredit Tantita Security Services Nig. Limited and its promoter Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, were sponsored by rivals who bungled their pipelines surveillance contracts and had their jobs terminated by the NNPCL.

Those who carried placards were a rented crowd of gullible Itsekiri and non Itsekiris.

In fact, are Itsekiri resident in Lagos kept in one place to be easily herded for a protest?

It was all a charade.

Our revered monarch, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III, was the mastermind and orchestrator of the cacophony, in collaboration with one of his allies, a notable oil thief.

The Olu of Warri’s pipelines surveillance contract was among those terminated by the Federal Government for non performance. He is dragging Tantita because part of the areas under the supervision of his company – Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL) were given to Tantita, Tompolo’s security firm.

For those without a clue, it is well to give some background.

As a major trunkline, the Trans-Forcados Pipelines system carries between 200,000 to 240,000 barrels of crude oil per day. It is the largest network of pipelines in the Niger Delta, second only to the Bonny Oil Pipeline system.

It serves the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Seplat Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Shoreline National Resources (SNR) in the routing of crude for export and domestic services.

The contract for the surveillance and protection of this all important federal government oil assets was awarded to Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL), owned and operated by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

The Olu of Warri’s contract was recently terminated by the NNPCL for dereliction of responsibilities, negligence and incompetence. The areas under the company’s sphere of influence suffered frequent vandalization of crude carrying pipelines – breaches that climaxed in uninterrupted oil theft, that led to billions of dollars losses in export revenue for the federal government.

Yet the royal father pretended all was well. The federal government was however not oblivious to the lapses of PINL, owned by the Olu. Having no other alternative nor option, the hammer fell – the Olu’s contract was terminated.

The national interest cannot differ to individual interest, be they royal.

In performance appraisal – the NNPCL oversees the operation of all private security organisations handling pipelines protection work. It found Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, quite capable, serious and very responsible. The Trans – Forcados Pipelines network formerly handled by the Olu of Warri’s PINL, after the termination, was awarded to Tantita.

No other reason suffices than the above, why the monarch mobilized his henchmen and foot soldiers – most of them based in Lagos, to crusade and demand the head of Tompolo and his affiliate company Tantita.

The fake tears of the Olu’s hatchet men should not perturb the authority nor anyone. It is self serving.

Despite the $3.9M the Royal Father draws every month, many of us his subjects are in glaring want and abject poverty, while His Majesty rides on the latest brands of limousines.

No Itsekiri is in his employment, nor a sub – contractor to him. And no Itsekiri is even aware he presides over a mega contract that rewards him millions of dollars every month.

The $3.9 million monthly Trans – Forcados payment to the Olu of Warri’s company, is not the same one as another non-performing multi-million dollars pipelines surveillance contract he also handles in Rivers State. That also is a monumental flop, another source of huge revenue loss to the federal government.

Does the monarch want supervisory agencies to gloss over his lassitude and reward him with more contracts?

It was uncovered that the series of protest groups masquerading as Itsekiri indigenes to discredit Tantita and Tompolo and drum support for the reinstatement of Olu of Warri non-performing contracts were the fallouts of a meeting hosted by a notorious oil thief and ally of the Olu of Warri, in Lagos.

In the meeting, it was decided that both Itsekiri and non-Itsekiri youths should be sponsored to disrupt oil production in various parts of the Niger Delta. This was to pile pressure on Mr. President to reinstate the monarch’s contract.

We wonder why His Majesty is taking out his frustrations on Tompolo?

Putting the blame of his contract termination and subsequent re-award to Tantita on Tompolo.

He knew fully well he failed to perform, hence the job agreement was repealed.

Failure is never reinforced

Tompolo’s Tantita is serious about its work, unlike the Olu’s PINL that was never on ground anywhere.

The operations of Tantita have been widely commended in and outside the shores of the country by stakeholders. Even the Nigerian Navy has acknowledged Tantita’s competence.

Out of the over 25,000 workers engaged on the job by Tantita, over 12,000 are Itsekiri, who are the subjects of the Olu.

This is because quite a chunk of oil assets are domiciled in Itsekiri territory.

Aside that Tantita also engaged two prominent Itsekiri citizens, namely, Chief Ayirimi Emami and Mr. Godwin Ebosa as sub-contractors.

Ebosa and Emami also jet home with billions of Naira every month, courtesy of an Ijaw man, Tompolo.

While the Olu held the contract, how many of his subjects did he employed?

It’s unfortunate that our royal father, who didn’t consider the wellbeing of his subjects as sacrosanct and create opportunities for them to live a decent life has ignited a fight with Tompolo, who is our benefactor.

We emphasised here that Tompolo is our benefactor as he never discriminated against us in the management of his surveillance job.

Our own royal father is only concerned about himself and his clique of Lagos boys. We are not factored in his activities.

Any attempt to bring Tantita and Tompolo would be tantamount to ruining the future of thousands of Itsekiri citizens working with Tantita.

Since life is about interest, we are not on the same page with our monarch on this. Our interest is paramount. We are with Tantita and Tompolo on this.

Despite the $3.9 million the Olu of Warri received every month, while he held the Trans – Forcados contract, the monarch never for a day thought about the magnitude, scope and requirements, needed to carryout a successful pipelines surveillance and protection work.

To him, it was a “dash” or patronage from the federal government, for his ancestral stool. So he didn’t feel obligated to doing anything.

In light of the above, we use this opportunity to appeal to the management of NNPCL to extend the gavel to the Olu’s pipelines contracts in Rivers State, in case he fails to up his game by delivering on the job.

Like the Trans – Forcados Pipelines network – they are neglected and have incurred so much losses for the federal government?

It is now the den of oil thieves in that part of the region.

The ongoing protests are mere abracadabra – stage managed to hoodwink the Federal Government to rescind its decision to terminate the Olu’s contract.

President Tinubu must not succumb to the cheap antics. He must resist all forms of arm twisting to endorse mediocrity back in the system.

The ethnic card which the Olu now plays should be ignored.

Tompolo and Tantita, have worked with the Itsekiri without discrimination. He has empowered our brothers as sub contractors and employed thousands as field operatives in the pipelines protection service.

The Olu of Warri should also open his books to unveil the Itsekiri beneficiaries of his surveillance contracts.

Our monarch cannot turn around to whip up sentiment against Tompolo after the termination of his undeserving job.

Our Itsekiri brothers should not make themselves available as ready tools of an insensitive monarch.

Why has Ogiame suddenly realised that his subjects are important? It’s because he has a business to protect.

The teeming Itsekiri youths that work with Tantita should remain steadfast and unintimidated by the Olu’s threats and blackmail.

The 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic guarantees civic rights for every citizen.

They remain shielded, protected and untouchable by anyone, no matter how highly placed.

His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwase III, the Olu of Warri, should devote all his time and energy to the unification of the Itsekiri Kingdom and subjects.

The Itsekiri Nation is presently bifurcated and polarized from diverse interests groups because of the monarch’s highhandedness, and constant absenteeism from the kingdom.

While he gallivants from one suite to the other at the 5 Star Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, in pursuit of mega contracts – he has no intention of executing, the ancient Itsekiri ancestral Stool he fought so hard to seize.

The stool is denied his warmth.

SIGNED:

David Aniretan

Chairman

Oritsejolomi Julius

Publicity Secretary