Ex-militant leaders under the first phase amnesty programme have raised strong opposition to moves aimed at decentralising the pipeline surveillance contract currently handled by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, warning that such action could trigger instability and reverse the hard-earned peace across the Niger Delta.
The leaders, who addressed journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, in collaboration with the Foundation for Heritage and Advancement and Development in Niger Delta (FHAND), cautioned that fragmenting the surveillance structure would pose grave security and economic threats to the oil-rich region.
They stressed that the existing arrangement under Tantita, led by High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, has significantly curbed crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering, while also reducing environmental degradation.
According to the statement, “the current centralized surveillance framework has effectively eliminated oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering and drastically reduced environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.” The statement warned that any attempt to decentralise the contract would undermine the progress recorded and expose critical national assets to renewed attacks by criminal elements. It further noted that “introducing multiple operators in place of a coordinated structure will create operational confusion and encourage unhealthy rivalry among actors within the region.”
The ex-militant leaders maintained that such rivalry could escalate tensions and disrupt the fragile peace currently being enjoyed across oil-producing communities.
Highlighting concerns over governance, the statement added that decentralisation would “weaken accountability, blur lines of responsibility and compromise the efficiency of intelligence gathering and response mechanisms.” The leaders argued that the unified structure has ensured proper coordination, effective monitoring and a clear chain of command in tackling oil-related crimes.
They also emphasized that the success recorded so far is largely attributable to the experience, local knowledge and influence of Tompolo in engaging stakeholders and maintaining stability.
Convener of the briefing and Tantita Representative in Rivers State, Mr. Reuben Wilson, aligned with the position outlined in the statement, urging the Federal Government to sustain the current model in the interest of regional peace.
The statement further appealed to authorities to “allow a system that is working efficiently to continue without disruption, as any abrupt change could plunge the Niger Delta back into avoidable crisis.”
Meanwhile, the leaders moved a motion endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, citing his administration’s commitment to sustaining security and economic stability in the region.
They subsequently passed a vote of confidence on the President, urging continued support for policies that promote peace, protect oil infrastructure and safeguard the nation’s economic lifeline.
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