In a show of solidarity and support, traditional rulers and stakeholders from Imo State, particularly those from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Council have thrown their weight behind the surveillance team led by Oweizidei Thomas Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, passing a vote of confidence on him for his efforts in curbing illegal oil bunkering activities in the state.

National Secretary of Phase One Presidential Amnesty Programme, Andrew Vocor, stated that Imo State has seen a significant reduction in oil pipeline vandalism and loss of lives since the deployment of Tompolo’s team. “We lost 300 persons in one day due to illegal bunkering, but today, there’s zero incident of bunkering in Imo State,” he said.

However, apparently unimpressed by the position of Imo State monarchs, a coalition of Concerned Youth Bodies in Rivers State has urged the federal government to decentralise pipeline security contracts in the Niger Delta region.

A statement signed on Sunday, by Mr. Charles Malford, on behalf of the coalition in Port Harcourt, called on President Bola Tinubu to take further decisive steps toward achieving lasting peace and stability in the region by decentralising the surveillance contracts.

On their part, a statement by the National Secretary of Phase One Presidential Amnesty Programme, Andrew Vocor said: “We want to critically tell those who are criticizing Tantitah talking about decentralization especially the Ijaw people to know that we are not Ijaws, we are from Imo State and our own oil pipe line runs from here, the oil facilities here are purely ours and have nothing to do with Ijaws. 

“Those criticizing Tantitah should know that we’re good with what he’s doing; they don’t know what decentralization means because Tantitah has decentralized the job of oil pipeline surveillance and because he has done the needful there’s no Ijaw man working in Imo State but Imo people; Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta people are working in Egbema and contractors involved are indigenous contractors and that’s what decentralization entails. 

“Today there is zero illegal bunkering in Imo State, no life lost again as a result of illegal bunkering. Those criticizing Tantitah, there’s no oil pipeline transversing their communities, we stand as Imo people against their painting of picture of what does not exist,” Vocor said. 

In his remarks, Eze Lucky Remigius Okoro of Obiakpu Community in Ohaji/Egbema LGA echoed similar sentiments, commending Tompolo and his team for decentralizing oil pipeline surveillance and involving indigenous contractors.

He said “We’re not Ijaws, we’re from Imo State, and our oil facilities are ours. We’re good with what Tantitah is doing,” he said.

The stakeholders distanced themselves from critics, particularly from the Ijaw community, stating that they don’t share the same views and urged them to focus on their own communities stating “Anybody talking of decentralization should remain as they are while we remain as we are,” Eze Okoro added.

Another stakeholder, a community leader, Chief Tony Ohamara moved a vote of confidence on Tompolo and it was unanimously carried on a voice vote.

“We came here to pass a vote of confidence on Tantitah Energy International Limited and Chief Tompolo for standing behind us when our people were dying like chickens, he came to our rescue. We are not betrayals, so we are supporting him in all ramifications,” he said.

Meanwhile, the coalition of Concerned Youth Bodies in Rivers State expressed gratitude to Tinubu, for his ongoing developmental efforts in the region, noting the president’s commitment to improving the welfare of the oil-producing communities.

The Youth bodies emphasised that decentralising pipeline security contracts is essential for creating job opportunities for youths, who make up the majority of the region’s population.

They said “Concentration of contracts in the hands of a single company is neither equitable nor sustainable. Local communities should be involved directly in securing infrastructure to promote ownership and accountability.

“Engaging local youths meaningfully in pipeline security will reduce tendencies towards crime, drug abuse, and other social challenges.

“Decentralisation promotes better grassroots participation and enhances the protection of critical infrastructure by involving community members intimately familiar with their local environments.”

The coalition further urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to clarify and unbundle the existing contracts related to pipeline and wellhead surveillance to ensure clear roles and responsibilities.

They stressed that “this call for decentralisation is timely, fair, and necessary for fostering inclusiveness, better security, and strengthened regional cooperation.”

The Youth bodies however, reiterated its commitment to peace, development, and progress in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria, saying “The coalition stands united in advocating for policies that empower youths and safeguard the nation’s critical infrastructure.”

 Amby Uneze in Owerri and Blessing Ibunge