IPF to critics: Private Contracts Not Common Wealth, Niger Delta Owes Tantita Gratitude

By Joseph Bienbo, Warri

The Ijaw Media Council, under the auspices of the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has insisted that the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited is not a “common wealth” and should not be misrepresented as such by critics.

According to a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, and Spokesman, Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, the forum said the Niger Delta should be expressing gratitude to Tantita and its leadership for restoring sanity to crude oil production and protecting national assets in the region.

IPF added that while the 13 per cent derivation fund rightly qualifies as common wealth meant for oil-producing communities, the surveillance contract given to Tantita is a professional engagement based on capacity and performance, just like similar contracts handled by different individuals in the region in the past.

“The 13 percent derivation is meant for the entire Niger Delta region especially the oil producing communities and the funds are not reaching the people yet those who claim to be activists are not saying or doing anything about it, rather they channeled their energy into attacking a private company, Tantita Security”, the statement added.

The forum noted that pipeline security was previously managed by the military and private operators, including Capt. Hosa and others across different states, without anyone branding those contracts as “common wealth.”

“Those describing Tantita as a common wealth are poor students of history,” the statement said, questioning why the same argument was never raised against previous handlers of pipeline surveillance.

IPF accused critics of being driven by selfish interests and personal gain, alleging that many of the loudest voices come from areas without oil resources, yet have benefited from the goodwill and benevolence of Tantita’s management.

“It is amazing that during the crises in Niger Delta, other neighbouring tribes, especially Urhobos and Itsekiris isolated the Ijaws as trouble makers and exposed them with publications distancing themselves and tagged the Ijaws as only militants and that Nigerian army should kill only Ijaw youths and burn down Ijaw towns and villages which the military did” they emphasised.

“Imagine, now that little benefits have come from the armed struggle, every tribe wants to benefit from the militancy with which they were isolating and branding Ijaws with all unprintable names. But Tompolo in his magnanimity included these same tribes who were attacking Ijaw during the arms struggle in his Tantita pipeline contract, yet they are still agitating selfishly to have 50%50% benefit in his own personal contract from the federal government”, IPF noted.

According to the forum, the leadership of Tantita, including High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), High Chief Kestin Pondi, Engr Mathew Tonlagha and Chief Tare Pondi, deserved encouragement for their “heart of giving,” noting that the company’s interventions have gone beyond oil-producing areas.

“IPF is not a direct beneficiary of Tantita, but the truth must be told,” the statement added. “When people are doing well, they should be encouraged, not attacked out of greed or envy.”

The forum warned that constant public attacks on institutions and individuals contributing positively to the Niger Delta could discourage philanthropy and development, urging critics to put regional interest above personal ambition.

IPF concluded by calling on Niger Deltans to appreciate Tantita’s efforts in safeguarding critical infrastructure, improving crude oil output, providing peace and maintaining security rather than spreading what it described as “negativity driven by selfish interests.”