The Head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC) in the Niger Delta, Mayor Eshanekpe Israel, commonly known as Akpodoro, has publicly applauded the recent judgment of the Federal High Court, which upheld the contract between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).
Mr. Akpodoro, a notable figure in security surveillance of crude oil pipelines in Nigeria's western corridor and a former militant leader who has transitioned to advocacy for peace and political leadership, characterized the ruling as "a well-deserved victory over evil." He indicated that the public is highly aware of the advancements made by the Tompolo-owned security firm since it was awarded the pipeline surveillance contract.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Mr. Akpodoro congratulated the NNPCL, Tantita, and the Nigerian populace, asserting that "justice has prevailed over emotional sentiments." He condemned the parties behind the lawsuit, which included a Joint Venture Partner and 43 others, labeling them as "enemies of national progress" who harbor jealousy towards the notable achievements of TSSNL. The Federal High Court recently dismissed a suit challenging the contract awarded to Tantita.
Mr. Akpodoro alleged that the plaintiffs were pursuing selfish interests that compromise national growth and development, asserting that certain individuals within the oil industry are attempting to revert Nigeria to a period marked by significant oil theft, vandalism, and illicit crude trading—issues that TSSNL has been diligently working to eliminate.
He noted, "The Tompolo-owned company has effectively curtailed oil theft, which explains why some vested interests are uncomfortable with its success." Since the awarding of the contract, TSSNL has established itself as one of the largest employers in the Delta region, assisting numerous youths in escaping poverty while contributing to a reduction in the insecurity that previously endangered oil installations.
Furthermore, Mr. Akpodoro observed that Tantita's operations have significantly enhanced Nigeria's crude oil production and reinstated investor confidence in the petroleum sector. He stated, "It will take a considerable amount of time for oil thieves to adjust to Tantita's zero-tolerance policy on theft."
He also noted that oil theft networks continue to exert pressure on the Federal Government to undermine Tantita's accomplishments, indicating, "It is no longer business as usual." He emphasized that attempting to steal crude oil under TSSNL's oversight is now considerably more challenging than breaching a bank's vault.
Mr. Akpodoro asserted that Tantita has revolutionized maritime security in the Niger Delta, rendering it nearly impossible for foreign vessels employed by oil thieves to operate within Nigerian waters. He commended the judiciary for its unwavering commitment to justice and urged it to continue promoting justice, national unity, and patriotism. "Tantita has come to stay," he declared, asserting that this victory represents not only the success of the security firm but also the aspirations of all Nigerians who advocate for transparency, diligence, and national advancement.
Historically, Mr. Akpodoro coordinated with various militant factions, participating in kidnappings, pipeline vandalism, and attacks on oil facilities, which, although they exerted pressure on the federal government, perpetuated cycles of violence and poverty. He later characterized this period as a necessary "struggle for a greater Urhobo people," driven by a commitment to the development of the Urhobo region.
His life took a significant turn in 2009 with the initiation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) under President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. As a prominent figure among the region's militants, he played a crucial role in persuading others to abandon armed struggle, facilitating the surrender of weapons, and the reintegration of militants resistant to peace. His endeavors yielded "pride for the Urhobo nation" by ensuring broad participation in the programme, which provided stipends, vocational training, and reintegration opportunities for over 30,000 former combatants.
Following the amnesty program, Mr. Akpodoro assumed the role of Head of the National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators (NCNDE-A), advocating for the sustainability of the PAP. He criticized deficiencies observed in subsequent administrations, calling for appointments of ex-militants to leadership positions and advocating for the revitalization of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as a mechanism for genuine development rather than for political patronage.
His disarmament efforts also extended to dismantling groups such as the Niger Delta Avengers in 2016, as he mobilized ex-militants to support President Muhammadu Buhari's re-election campaign in 2019.
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