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The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas and Pipeline Impacted States (HOSCON) has called on agitators over the pipeline surveillance contracts to desist from attacking the chief executive officer of Tantita Limited, Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), who it said has been a worthy leader, and so deserves commendation on the roles he had played in boosting increase in oil production in the Niger Delta.
In a statement, HOSCON’s national chairman, Prince Mike Emuh, noted that unrestrained accusations or attacks on Tantita leadership was counter-productive and should stop henceforth.
“We consider it a critical concern we should address taking into cognisance that Tantita as a security outfit under Tompolo has been able to foster peace, unity and an enabling environment for improved oil and gas production in the Niger Delta,” he stated.
Emuh has, therefore, disassociated HOSCON from such attacks and called for restraint and constructive engagement among the agitators.
He contended that President Bola Tinubu’s recognition of Tompolo and his leadership’s efficiency had a historical context, saying that the latter’s campaign staged in Okporoza, Gbaramatu, Delta State, for the president ahead of the 2023 election was significant.
He recalled that the consequential campaign was attended by major Ijaw sons and daughters, including HOSCON bigwigs like Wellington Okirika and Prince Emuh, among other traditional rulers and dignitaries.
“We are convinced that the president has implicit confidence in Tompolo on this national assignment and his continued management of the security architecture on surveillance and security in the Niger Delta,” Emuh added.
HOSCON boss counselled that instead of the repeated attacks and accusations against Tompolo, the agitators should join his body and other stakeholders to deliver on direct 13 percent oil derivation payments to the host communities, full and accurate implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and its amendments, operationalisation of Section 162 (2) of the 1999 Constitution in favour of host communities and creation of 13 percent Derivation Implementation Committee.
“These are critical areas of interest for the greater good of Niger Delta, which should agitate interest and action rather than the fixation on surveillance contracts”
Though Emuh stated there were gaps in the implementation of the PIA, he, nonetheless, cautioned against undue rivalry and any violent acts, suggesting that agitators should unite with President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda, South-South governors, traditional rulers and host communities to build a united, prosperous and a peaceful nation.
