EFFURUN/Nigeria: The General Overseer of Goshen Freedom Tabernacle, Effurun, Prophet Austin Ariole JP, has faulted the recent statement by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) calling for the removal of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited from Urhobo land, describing the position as a “miscarriage of purpose” and a disappointing misstep by Urhobo leaders.
Speaking on Tuesday after a service tagged Prophetic One Hour with Jesus, Prophet Ariole expressed strong disapproval of the UPU’s demand, questioning the rationale behind the call to disengage a private security firm that has contributed immensely to the protection of national oil assets and local development.
“I am disappointed in those Urhobo leaders of thought,” Ariole said. “It was an error for the UPU to make such a call. Without Tompolo, there would be no Tantita. He championed the Niger Delta struggle, and today, he’s protecting the region’s critical infrastructure.”
The cleric recalled the era of militant activism through the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and stressed that many of the benefits being enjoyed today are the result of sacrifices made during that period—largely by the Ijaw people. He noted that the Federal Government’s decision to engage Tompolo through Tantita was not only strategic but earned.
“I would have expected Urhobo leaders to push for more operational slots in Tantita, not demand its exit. Who are the champions of the Urhobo struggle today?” he asked. “Look at other ethnic nationalities; Ayiri Emami is standing strong for the Itsekiri. Who speaks for the Urhobo people with conviction and consistency?”
Prophet Ariole described High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) as a stabilizing force and a unifying voice in the Niger Delta, even asserting that he played a behind-the-scenes role in resolving the political rift between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.
“Tompolo has stepped into the shoes of Chief E.K. Clark whether anyone likes it or not. He has built trust, and that should count,” he said.
Highlighting the Corporate Social Responsibility efforts of Tantita, Ariole praised its Managing Director, Kestin Pondi, for going beyond expectations in community development. He cited examples including the construction of a police station in Ugborikoko, an army barracks, and the new NUJ Secretariat in Warri, saying such tangible impacts cannot be ignored.
“We had many oil firms here before. They didn’t do what Tantita is doing. Look at the footprint they are leaving behind,” Ariole added.
He further advised Urhobo leaders and youths to focus on strategic political and economic empowerment rather than being preoccupied with “stomach infrastructure” or monthly stipends.
“Urhobos have every right to demand development and participation in the protection of pipelines in their territory, but it should be done with wisdom and civility,” the prophet said.
Prophet Ariole also challenged the UPU, under the leadership of Chief Ese Gams Owe Esq., to redirect its energy toward meaningful engagement and the advancement of the Urhobo nation, rather than what he called a counterproductive campaign against a firm contributing positively to security and development.
“Let us think about Urhobo-Ovuovo—the unity and progress of the Urhobo people—not just short-term benefits,” he concluded. “I am completely against the call for Tantita’s disengagement.”
