The Niger Delta Peace Front, a local group in the oil-rich Southern part of Nigeria, has cautioned ex-militants in the region to avoid being used by saboteurs against Nigeria’s economy.
Some ex-militants in the region had criticised the recent extension of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services led by Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
The group has cautioned the ex-militants, who have been vocal in criticizing the renewal of the pipeline protection contract, to exercise caution and be wary of unscrupulous individuals who do not have the nation’s best interests at heart, LEADERSHIP reports.
Patterson Efemena, the Chairman of the NDPF, and Onyem Philip, the Secretary, made this appeal in a statement released on Sunday.
Efemena expressed bewilderment at how those who greatly benefited from the initial phase of the contract with Tantita are now leading efforts against the firm. The group advises the ex-militants, to redirect their energy toward more constructive endeavours.
The NDPF emphasized that contracts are not secured through threats but rather by demonstrating capacity and a track record in adhering to the contract terms. They urged those who are dissatisfied with the contract renewal decision to show patriotism by supporting TSL, which engaged nearly 18,000 youths from the region to successfully execute the first phase of the oil pipeline contract.
The group recalled that the contract, which has now become a subject of needless controversy, was executed by individuals from the same region for over 12 years without any protests. They pointed out that the orchestrated media campaign is targeting the heart of the Nigerian economy and is led by a powerful group of silent billionaires who view Tantita and the NNPC as adversaries due to their success in combating oil theft.
