…..set to honour Tompolo February
By: Emmanuel Abi Couson
Tantita Security Services Limited, ( TSSL), owned by ex-Niger Delta militant leader, Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, a.k.a Tompolo, has made the nation’s waterway to become a nightmare for criminal elements and economic saboteurs.
This was the ascertation of Chief Chris Isiguzo during his visit to Oporoza Community Warri South West Local Area of Delta State recently.
Accompanied by the National Secretary Shuaibu Usman Leman, Walin Shadalafiya, he said Tompolo not only contributed to the peace of the hitherto troubled oil rich region but also has relentlessly committed to end the menace of oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other sharp practices associated with crude oil exploration.
The NUJ President recalled some giant strides recorded by TSSL under the leadership of Tompolo in the manhunt for the oil barons along the nation’s waterways especially the recent arrest of MT Kali, illegally siphoning crude oil from Pennington Oil field of the Anglo-Dutch energy giant ,She’ll Petroleum Development Company ( SPDC).
The NUJ having profiled the activities of Tompolo , the Leadership of the Union decided to honour him in recognition to his contributions to the prevailing peace in Niger Delta and the different successes recorded in the war against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism being spearheaded by Tompolo. He said.
Chief Chris disclosed that the formal presentation of the award will take place in February during the forthcoming annual conference of the union in Abuja.
Isiguzo admitted that with the patriotic zeal of TSSL in the pursuit of the oil thieves, the nation’s crude oil production was on steady rise, adding that this development “is ultimately pushing the nation on the path of sustainable economic recovery and prosperity.”
Continuing Isiguzo said the NUJ aligned with other stakeholders within and outside the country, who have poured ecomiums and accolades on TSSL and its operators for satisfactorily performing its oversight functions over the surveillance and protection of the nation’s economic assets.
“Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, the NUJ has profiled your activities and we are impressed by your patriotic zeal to ensure that Nigeria works again by your pursuit of those pilfering the nation’s oil wealth. The NUJ is glad to note that crude oil production is gradually on the rise and we can meet the OPEC quota with ease. With more revenue from additional crude oil production, we can have more money to run our money.” He said.
“The NUJ also acknowledges the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta for which you have played pivotal roles. For these significant contributions you have made towards the nation’s growth and development, the NUJ has decided to honour you with one of our prestigious awards.”
“We are here to formally intimate you about the decision by the NUJ to accord you this well-deserved honour. To demonstrate the seriousness attached to this engagement, I have with me the National Secretary, Mr. Shuaibu Usman Leman as well other leaders of the NUJ from the state council and Warri chapter of the association .”
“We seize this opportunity to also formally invite you to the investiture and presentation of the awards during our national conference in Abuja in February,” Isiguzo added.
Responding, Tompolo, who was joined to receive the NUJ delegation by a former member of Bayelsa State House Assembly, representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 4, Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei and his Media Adviser, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, expressed gratitude to the NUJ for the honour accorded him for his modest contribution to the socio- economic development of Delta State and Nigeria.
The ex-militant leader said he was elated that a strategic stakeholders in the Nigeria project such as NUJ has recognised and appreciated his contributions to national development and singled him out for the award.
Tompolo assured the NUJ and Nigerians that the award would spur and trigger him to do more for Delta state and the country.
