Chief Godspower Gbenekama, spokesperson for the Gbaramatu Kingdom, has accused those engaged in illegal oil bunkering of launching continuous media attacks and smear campaigns against Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and its chairman, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
During an interview with journalists in Ekpan, located in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Gbenekama said these attacks are a backlash to Tantita’s success in curbing oil theft and protecting Nigeria’s vital oil and gas assets.
According to him, “Tantita has created livelihood opportunities for thousands of people across the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo communities.”
He emphasized that the company’s work has not only significantly cut down on oil theft but has also generated employment and given purpose to many young people who might otherwise fall prey to the influence of criminal networks.
Gbenekama claimed that prior to Tantita’s involvement, illegal oil bunkering was a lucrative trade run by powerful figures who took advantage of jobless youths while profiting at the nation’s expense.
He noted that with Tantita’s strong surveillance and security operations, those activities have become much harder to sustain, angering those who had benefited from them.
“These disgruntled elements are the ones sponsoring media attacks to tarnish Tompolo’s image and sabotage Tantita’s work,” he alleged.
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He reiterated the unwavering support of the Gbaramatu Kingdom and other Niger Delta ethnic groups for Tantita, describing the company’s mission as a patriotic contribution to Nigeria’s security and economy.
Gbenekama urged the federal government and security agencies to ignore what he termed as “the propaganda of oil thieves” and instead acknowledge the real strides being made in fighting oil-related crimes.
Since receiving its government mandate, Tantita Security Services has been credited with major achievements, including the recovery of stolen crude oil, the dismantling of illegal refining operations, and the apprehension of oil thieves—efforts that have drawn commendation from both military and government leaders.
