High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has raised concerns about threats to his life, alleging that powerful figures involved in oil theft are targeting him. Tompolo, the founder of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, revealed these fears during a meeting with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national executive led by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom, on Monday.
Tompolo accused some naval personnel of sabotaging efforts to combat oil theft, citing a recent confrontation between the Navy and Tantita operatives during the arrest of suspected oil thieves in the Port Harcourt creeks. He described the oil thieves as powerful individuals operating outside the Niger Delta and alleged collusion between security agencies and these actors.
“While doing this work, we have stepped on a lot of toes,” Tompolo said. “People in Lagos, Abuja, and neighboring countries are behind these oil theft operations. Those of us in the Niger Delta are often the scapegoats, but the masterminds are elsewhere.”
He appealed for better collaboration between security outfits, including the Navy and private security agencies, to effectively combat oil theft.
Oil Theft’s Economic and Environmental Impact
The NBA President, Afam Osigwe, also addressed the issues of oil theft and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta. He noted that oil theft has significantly hampered Nigeria’s economic growth, affecting its ability to meet OPEC production quotas and forcing the government to rely on excessive borrowing to fund budgets.
“Stemming the theft of our commonwealth is more urgent than ever,” Osigwe said. “If leakages in oil production are blocked, Nigeria’s earnings will increase, reducing the need for borrowing.”
Osigwe commended Tantita Security Services for its role in combating oil theft and called for government support to enhance their operations. He also expressed concern about the environmental damage caused by oil exploration and its adverse effects on host communities.
Local Leaders Demand Development
The Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oboro-Gbaraun II, called on the government to address the infrastructural deficits in the region, stating that the communities producing the nation’s wealth remain marginalized.
“All these you are seeing is from the efforts of our elite,” the traditional ruler said. “The government is far from us. We produce the oil that feeds the nation’s coffers, but we don’t feel the presence of the government in our communities.”
The monarch urged the NBA to help establish a magistrate’s court in the kingdom and mentor members of the Gbaramatu Lawyers Association to strengthen legal representation in the region.
Collaboration for Progress
The NBA pledged to continue its advocacy for the protection of Nigeria’s economic resources and the welfare of oil-producing communities. Osigwe emphasized the importance of addressing oil theft to enhance Nigeria’s economic stability while ensuring that the Niger Delta communities receive their fair share of development benefits.
Tompolo’s revelations and the NBA’s visit underscore the ongoing struggle to combat oil theft and improve governance in Nigeria’s oil sector, as the nation grapples with economic and environmental challenges.