WARRI/Nigeria: The Pan-Urhobo Renewed Conscience Patriots have berated the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) over its recent call on the Federal Government to terminate the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), describing the position as reckless, unnecessary, and capable of destabilizing the longstanding peace between Urhobos and their Ijaw neighbours.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its Secretary General, Comrade Israel Arigbe, the group cautioned that the UPU’s action was ill-advised and lacked both strategic foresight and community-wide consultation.
The group described the justification given by the Chief Ese Gam-led UPU as “pedestrian and without merit,” warning that such missteps risk sowing discord and misrepresenting the collective interests of the Urhobo nation.
“UPU’s call is not only hostile but also a grave misrepresentation of the true sentiment of the Urhobo people, who have benefitted significantly from the operations of Tantita Security Services,” the statement read.
It added that TSSNL, an indigenous company founded by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), has played a vital role in reducing oil theft, dismantling illegal refineries, and improving environmental safety in the Niger Delta. The group noted that these achievements have had a direct positive impact on the Nigerian economy and on oil-producing communities.
The Pan-Urhobo Renewed Conscience Patriots highlighted that thousands of Urhobo youths have been gainfully employed through Tantita’s operations and praised the company’s robust corporate social responsibility initiatives, which include key community development projects in the region.
Responding to UPU’s citation of Section 257, Subsection 2 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 as grounds for its position, the group described the interpretation as flawed and misleading.
“That section of the law poses no threat to the Urhobo nation. It should not be twisted to advance personal agendas that undermine the peace and progress of our people,” the group stated.
While urging the management of Tantita to improve transparency and inclusivity in recruitment and promotion practices to avoid allegations of favouritism, the group insisted that the benefits of Tantita’s presence far outweigh the grievances raised by UPU.
The statement concluded with a strong appeal for unity, dialogue, and maturity in addressing sensitive matters, especially those that affect inter-ethnic relations and national security.
