News
War Against Oil Thieves: Tompolo, Tantita Staff Get Death Threats
Ex-militant Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo has been receiving death threats from persons believed to be behind theft of Nigeria’s oil as exposed by his Tantita Security Services Limited, one of his aides has said.
He also said operatives of Tantita Security Services Limited, who have exposed illegal pipelines being used for theft of crude oil in the various parts of Niger Delta, have come under attack of gunmen desperate to sustain the illegal activities.
However, Tompolo has vowed that no threats will stop his zeal to continue his fight against oil theft, the aide said.
According to him, the ex -militant leader has vowed to deploy the zeal with which he agitated during the struggle for the emancipation of the Niger Delta region to combat oil thieves that are sabotaging the economic development of the country.
The aide, who identified himself as Waterway Crayfish, quoted Tompolo as saying those bombarding him and his household with threat messages over the surveillance job he secured from the Federal Government are saboteurs who would continue to have his security outfit to contend with.
Tompolo’s comments came few days after Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), threw his weight behind the feat recorded by his security outfit within a few weeks after the contract was awarded to him.
He added that the ex-militant leader has vowed that there would be not a sacred cow in the discharge of the contract assignment.
According to the aide, Tompolo’s primary concern now is about how Nigeria’s crude oil production will rise to two million barrels per day.
He said the discovery of an illegal oil pipeline that was attached to the Forcados oil trunk and the burning of oil bunkering vessel on the region’s high sea, were testimonies of the riot act he read against oil thieves.
“Our Tantita Security Services Limited in the creeks has been getting steady threat messages from suspected oil thieves to stop the illegal business of oil bunkering. No amount of threat and mudslinging would derail us from beaming searchlight on discoveries of illegal pipelines that were attached to the Forcados Terminal into the sea.
“For threat messages, it is normal. Since illegal oil vessels were intercepted some weeks ago, the threat messages assumed a dangerous dimension.
“Just yesterday (last week) here, they sent messages to threaten me, but we have remained unperturbed. It is something we can handle.
“We are knowledgeable about the operation in the territorial waters of Nigeria and as a former militant, I clearly have the capacity to combat any possible attack from any illegal bunkerer with my men,” he said.
Gunmen had recently attacked the personnel of Tantita Security at Aleibiri community, Ekeremor LGA in Bayelsa State during which a 200HP speed boat was reportedly stolen.
However, the coordinator of the unit which was attacked was able to calm his boys and prevent retaliatory attack on the community as they investigate to find the culprits.
Tantita Security was awarded over N4billion monthly contract by the Federal Government to secure the pipelines and reduce/stop illegal bunkering and other forms of oil theft.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
-
Oil & Energy10 hours ago“PENGASSAN Orders Halt Of Gas Supply To Dangote Refinery
-
Education10 hours ago
Students Eulogises PGSA Leadership Role in RSU dev
-
News10 hours agoNigeria At 65: RSG Holds Special Church Service …Cleric Calls For Peace
-
Niger Delta10 hours agoDelta, Tantita Security Services Inaugurate Classrooms for Inmate Education
-
Sports10 hours agoChelsea Fall At Stamford Bridge
-
Editorial10 hours agoCharge Before New Rivers Council Helmsmen
-
Oil & Energy10 hours agoDigital Technology Key To Nigeria’s Oil, Gas Future
-
News10 hours agoDisclose appointment process of INEC chairman, SERAP tells Tinubu