Urhobo Community Leaders Oppose UPU’s Call for Termination of Tantita Contract

Coordinators of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Presidents-General of all Urhobo communities have rejected the call by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) for the Federal Government to terminate the oil pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita.

At a well-attended press briefing in Ughelli, which drew over 2,000 Tantita employees, the coordinators and community leaders unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the management of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. They affirmed that Tantita has engaged more Urhobo youths and communities than ever before.

They revealed that over 3,500 Urhobo youths are currently employed by Tantita across 88 communities in 16 kingdoms of Urhobo land.

According to the statement: “As of today, Tantita employs over 3,500 Urhobo indigenes, covering 88 Urhobo communities in 16 kingdoms, making it the highest employer of labour in Urhobo land.

“Anyone familiar with Tantita’s operations knows that all oil-bearing communities participate directly in securing facilities within their territories.

Urhobo Staff in Tantita

“In Ijaw land, they provide the bulk of patrol teams; the same is true for the Itsekiri, Isoko, Kwale, and certainly Urhobo communities.

“Almost 4,000 Urhobo indigenes earn monthly wages as Tantita operatives and coordinators. From Iwhremeragha to Unenurhie, from Kokori to Oguname-Olomu, from Ovwiamuge-Agbarho to Ugbomro, from Mosogar to Ibada-Elume to Arhavwarhien — Tantita is on the ground through Urhobo hands. These communities, among many others, are protecting national assets in partnership with Tantita.

“Every single kilometre of pipeline traversing Urhobo land is protected 100% by Urhobo operatives. Every community has been given slots as operatives and coordinators responsible for pipeline security in their domains.

“For over two years, Tantita’s Urhobo coordinators and operatives have worked diligently to reduce vandalism, oil theft, illegal refining, and environmental degradation to the barest minimum. Not a single community has raised complaints about their performance.

“Tantita, with its cutting-edge technology and exceptional managerial expertise, has made the work appear effortless — so much so that some uninformed individuals think they can do it just as well.

“Nigerians must realize that certain individuals are misusing socio-cultural organizations to spread misinformation and should therefore be ignored.”

The coordinators also questioned the credibility of the UPU’s claim that its resolution was reached during a “General Assembly of the Urhobo people.” They challenged the UPU to produce evidence of the meeting, including minutes, the notice of the assembly, and the date it was held.

They added: “This brand of opportunistic entrepreneurship runs contrary to the ideals of the UPU. All true Urhobos must reject this debasement of our values. We will continue to uphold the UPU constitution, promoting love, mutual understanding, and brotherhood among Urhobo people, and good neighbourliness with non-Urhobo people and Nigeria as a whole.”

Speaking on behalf of the Presidents-General of Urhobo communities, the President-General of Evwreni, Chief Ukpebitere, warned:

“No one should sow division between the Urhobo Nation and Tantita Security Services Limited out of personal greed or interest.”

He urged all Urhobo indigenes to disregard misleading publications and to continue their cooperation with Tantita management.

Highlights of the event included a vote of confidence passed on High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, Mr. Kestin Pondi, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, and Tantita Security Services. The motion was moved by the National President of the Urhobo Youth Council, Mr. Godspower Enerho, and unanimously adopted.