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Tag: Tompolo

  • Tompolo reacts over Buhari’s death

    Tompolo reacts over Buhari’s death

    Dr Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo has described the late former president Muhammadu Buhari as a principled and patriotic Nigerian.

    Tompolo made this known in a statement he made available to newsmen in Warri on Monday.

    Tompolo, who is the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd., expressed sadness over the passage of the late general.

    The Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation said that the late former president was not a materialistic person, adding that he was contented with what God blessed him with.

    “Buhari was a principled and patriotic Nigerian who contributed his quota to the development of Nigeria during his tenure as president from 2015 to 2023.

    “He sought persons of character, goodwill, and vigour to serve the country while he was president.

    “That informed his hiring of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to handle the surveillance of critical oil and gas facilities in 2022, when the country’s oil and gas infrastructure were bleeding.

    “Today, the story is different as the country is progressing steadily towards attaining a peak in oil production. Nigerians will miss his contributions to the unity and peace of the country,” he said.

    Tompolo extended his heartfelt condolences to the country, his family, and close associates.

    “May his soul rest in peace,” Tompolo prayed.

    The former president reportedly died in London on July 13 at the age of 82 following a long illness.

  • BREAKING: EFCC invites former militant leader, Tompolo for questioning

    BREAKING: EFCC invites former militant leader, Tompolo for questioning

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally invited former Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for questioning over allegations of Naira abuse.

    Sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed the development on Wednesday, revealing an invitation letter was delivered to Tompolo earlier this week. According to the sources, EFCC is now awaiting his response.

    “An invitation letter has been sent to Tompolo,” one EFCC official said, adding that the move was procedural and not an arrest warrant. “We expect his cooperation.”

    Tompolo’s invitation follows widespread public backlash after a video surfaced online showing Tompolo at a birthday celebration believed to have been held in April.

    In the viral footage, Tompolo is seen dancing while bundles of ₦1,000 notes are sprayed on him—an act prohibited under Nigerian law.

    Responding to the growing public pressure, the EFCC issued a statement on Monday affirming that Tompolo would be investigated.

    “Nobody is above the law. Tompolo will have questions to answer,” the commission said.

    Although full details of the allegations remain under wraps, the invitation marks a significant step by the EFCC to show even politically influential individuals are not exempt from scrutiny.

  • Tompolo will have questions to answer – EFCC breaks silence after Nigerians dare

    Tompolo will have questions to answer – EFCC breaks silence after Nigerians dare

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has vowed to investigate Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, over an alleged case of Naira abuse.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the anti-graft agency’ response comes after a viral video posted on X.com on Sunday by Harrison A, who tweets as #harreceipts with the caption, “EFCC, see Tompolo and the Naira o.”

    The viral video captures Tompolo’s 54th birthday celebration in April showcasing the Niger Delta chieftain dancing while a man lavishly sprays ₦1,000 notes before him.

    TNG understands that Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 (as amended) stipulates that “spraying of, dancing or matching on the Naira or any note issued by the bank during social occasions or otherwise howsoever shall constitute an abuse and defacing of the Naira or such note and shall be punishable under the law by fines or imprisonment or both.”

    Reacting to the video, many Nigerians on social media dared the EFCC to arrest Tompolo to prove its credibility, while others mocked the agency’s integrity.

    In response to the video , the anti-corruption agency shared a clip from it on its social media page Monday morning, asserting that no one is above the law.

    The post reads: “Nobody is above the law.Tompolo will have questions to answer.”

  • Oborevwori celebrates Tompolo at 54

    Oborevwori celebrates Tompolo at 54

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended warm felicitations to renowned Niger Delta activist and former militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as he marks his 54th birthday anniversary on April 12.

    In a statement released on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori described Tompolo as a distinguished son of the Niger Delta who had made remarkable contributions to the peace, stability, and development of the region and the nation at large.

    He commended Tompolo for his role as Chairman of Tantita Security Services, noting that his leadership had been instrumental in the fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta, leading to improved oil production and enhanced national revenue.

    The Governor also acknowledged that both the state governments of the Niger Delta and the Federal Government recognize and appreciate Tompolo’s unwavering efforts in promoting peace and security in the region.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Delta State, I extend my heart-felt congratulations to a true son of the Niger Delta, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, on the occasion of his 54th birth anniversary.

    “Tompolo has played a vital role in the progress of the oil-rich Niger Delta and has consistently collaborated with regional and federal authorities to sustain peace and development.

    “As he celebrates his birth anniversary, it is our prayer that God continues to bless him with good health, wisdom, and strength to further his service to the nation and humanity,” the Governor said.

  • Tinubu@72: I didn’t place advertisements in newspapers – Tompolo

    Tinubu@72: I didn’t place advertisements in newspapers – Tompolo

    Mr Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo has denied placing advertisements in the Newspapers to celebrate President Bola Tinubu`s birthday.

    This is contained in a statement by his Media Consultant, Dr Paul Bebenimibo on Friday in Warri.

    Tompolo, who is the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), said that he did not instruct anyone to place advertisements in the newspapers.

    He said this was based on Mr President`s instruction that no one should organise a birthday party or place advertisement to celebrate him in the media in view of the state of the Nation.

    “My attention has been drawn to adverts placed in front and inside pages of some Nigerian Newspapers celebrating President Tinubu at 72 today.

    “To put the records straight, I did not place any advert to celebrate Mr President in the media neither did I instruct anyone to do so on my behalf.

    “This is because of Mr President’s instruction that no one should organise birthday party or place advert to celebrate him in the media, as result of the state of the Nation.

    “He said such money should be given as alms to the less privileged in the society. I bought the idea wholeheartedly, hence heed the warning and instruction,”he said.

    He expressed confidence in Tinubu`s capability in repositioning the country for steady economic growth and prosperity.

    Tompolo said that he also keyed into the policy thrust of the president to work in synergy with security agencies to eradicate illegal crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

    He said that those behind the advertisement may have done so in good faith.

    “They may not be aware of the consequences of their action. It is our position that it is a grave error and insensitivity to the current state of things in Nigeria,” he said.

    He , however, expressed deep regret for this action and also apologise to Mr President for any embarrassment this action must have cost him.

    “I apologise to Mr President on behalf of those who placed the adverts, it is highly regretted,” he said.

  • Adopt Tompolo’s template to combat oil theft, Funkekeme Solomon advises FG

    Adopt Tompolo’s template to combat oil theft, Funkekeme Solomon advises FG

    The Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, has urged the Federal Government to adopt the strategies used by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, in effectively combating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

    Commending Tompolo on the success he recorded in curbing the activities of oil thieves in his area of operations, Solomon noted that since he stands out among all the organisations involved in monitoring activities on the extraction and export of crude oil, his modus operandi should be adopted as the standard operational procedure by all the agencies and organisations involved in combating crude oil theft.

    “I want to commend Chief Ekpemupolo on the successes recorded by his organisation that earned him a special recognition by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). For a long time, the impression had been created that oil theft cannot be curbed. But Tompolo, through his patriotic commitment to the assignment, has shown that it can be done.

    “He has shown that despite the allure of blood oil, there are people that are genuinely committed to saving the economy from collapse. Crude oil still remains the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy and accounts for more than 90 percent of our foreign exchange earnings. The continuous bleeding of this artery of the nation’s economy is a serious challenge to our collective well being. That Tompolo is conscientiously restoring sanity to the industry will have a calming effect on the economy”, Solomon stated in a statement issued in Asaba.
    The NUJ conferred Internal Security Meritorious Award on Tompolo in appreciation of the accomplishments his organisation, Tantita Security Services. At the award ceremony weekend, president of the NUJ, Chris Isiguzo, lauded Tompolo’s contributions to internal security, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

    He noted that the awardee had substantially helped the country to address the issue of crude oil theft which according to him, had over time, occupied the national life of Nigerians.
    Isiguzo said the issues of insecurity and economic sabotage in the country have been worrisome and of major concern to Nigerians.

  • I’ll do everything to ensure oil production increases – Tompolo

    I’ll do everything to ensure oil production increases – Tompolo

    Dr Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo has pledged to do everything possible to ensure that the daily crude oil production output continued to be on the increase and boost the nation’s revenue.

    Tompolo,  who is also a High Chief in Ijaw land, made the promise on Saturday evening in Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta.

    He spoke shortly after receiving an “Internal Security Meritorious Award” conferred on him by the National body of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

    Addressing newsmen, Tompolo acknowledged the pivotal role of the media in promoting peace and stabilising democracy in the country.

    “The only place I have to call my country is Nigeria, so I will do everything within my powers, to see that crude oil production increases.

    “The critical role of the media in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. Nothing reasonable can be achieved without the media, so, I want to appeal that they should be appreciated,” Tompolo said.

    Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd. (TSSNL), a private pipeline surveillance security outfit was engaged by the Federal Government to curtail crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

    Recall that between January and February 2024,’ the private security outfit in conjunction with Federal Government security agencies, impounded MT Kali and MT Harbor Spirit vessels while illegally siphoning crude oil in Bayelsa.

    Consequently, two Federal High Courts sitting in Abuja, recently ordered the forfeiture of the heavy Ocean-going liner to the Federal Government.

    The courts also ordered the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd.  (NNPCL), to sell the stolen crude oil contained in the vessels.

    Earlier in his opening remarks, the President of the NUJ, Mr Chris Isiguzo lauded Tompolo’s contributions to internal security,  particularly in the Niger Delta region.

    He noted that the awardee had substantially helped the country to address the issue of crude oil theft which according to him, had overtime, occupied the national life of Nigerians.

    Isiguzo said the issues of insecurity and economic sabotage in the country had been worrisome and of a major concern to Nigerians.

    “But today, somebody has risen to the occasion and gathered an array of young men who have taken it upon themselves to help this country to continue to survive as a peaceful and united nation.

    “By his commitment, dedication and diligence,  Nigeria as a country has to a very large extent, reduced activities of men of the underworld consistently engaged in pilfering and taking our common patrimony for their selfish gains.

    “We decided that we must accord the necessary recognition to the man who carries the flag, and birthed this organisation.

    “A man who has exceptionally distinguished himself, and has been celebrated by Nigerians across all works of life.

    “A general in his own right, who has distinguished himself, ensured and maintained an appreciable level of internal security.

    ‘We have come to Oporoza to confer on him, the Internal Security Meritorious Award of the NUJ,” he said.

    Isiguzo, flanked by the National Secretary of the NUJ, Mr Shuaibu Leman and others said that the media remained the oxygen of democratic governance,  noting that “if it collapsed, Nigeria will collapse”.

    He said the issue of insecurity was a collective responsibility of Nigerians and not the government alone, urging all hands to be on deck to address the problems.

    “In your neighborhood, if you provide intelligence information to  security operatives and agencies to help achieve peace and tranquillity, you have made your contribution to solving the insecurity challenges.

    “When there is peace in all parts of the country, it will give birth to development and take our country away from being a third world to second or perhaps first world country,” Isiguzo noted.

    Tompolo also received an award from the Delta Online Publishers Forum.

    Highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of awards, parade by the TSSNL personnel and traditional dance by the Ijaw people.

  • Crude oil theft: How ‘Tompolo’ allegedly “saves” Nigeria $43.2m daily

    Crude oil theft: How ‘Tompolo’ allegedly “saves” Nigeria $43.2m daily

    Capt. Warredi Enisuoh has disclosed Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, a private security firm owned by Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, save Nigeria over $43.2 million on a daily basis.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Enisuoh, who is the Executive Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd., made the disclosure at the maiden Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) annual lecture on Wednesday in Lagos.

    The lecture had the theme: ‘Maritime Security: Emerging Threats and Actionable Steps.’

    Enisuoh while highlighting the crucial roles of private security operators disclosed that dealers in crude oil theft plant Closed-Circuit Television cameras in creeks to monitor their illicit activities.

    He said there were places where grass may not grow for the next 100 years because of crude oil spill caused by these perpetrators.

    “In the past, these operators utilised fire to process the crude oil but they realised that security operators have drones and night vision capabilities to see the fire trails.

    “So, they moved to electricity. When they realised we discovered their illicit activities with electric, they translated to phosphoric acid.

    “They pour the crude oil into several drums and pour phosphoric acid and wait for six hours for the acid to convert the crude to diesel that will be fetched from the top,” he said.

    Enisuoh, a former Director of Shipping Development at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, noted that the perpetrators of crude oil theft moved away from the land areas to the creeks to attack oil well heads.

    “They connect hoses from the wellheads into their storage. These transactions usually take place at night, as they go to the wellheads with canoes to fetch crude oil without minding the pollution or possibility of fire outbreak.

    “If the pressure isn’t strong enough, they use a reservoir to fetch the oil. Some of these oil connections flow through cassava farms and farm settlements,” he said.

    Speaking on the activities of private security operators in Secure Anchorage Area (SAA), Enisuoh wondered why a nation would carve out a portion on water like a land and sell it to somebody.

    “With SAA, a vessel is entering the place and you say no you cannot enter here because you did not pay.

    “However, the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea declared the right of passage on the waters for vessels? Nigeria is a signatory to that law, so I am sorry if I made mistakes at that time with my conviction about SAA.

    “Nonetheless, I still stand by it. I will never ever entertain the situation in my country where people will pay to access the waters,” he said.

    TNG reports Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd. is a private security contractor with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd.

    Meanwhile, in his welcome address, the President of MARAN, Mr Godfrey Bivbere, expressed concern over huge crude oil theft recorded in Nigeria; and the concomitant adverse effects it had on the national economy.

    Bivbere noted that this had reportedly led to the gradual but increasing dwindling economic fortunes of the country.

    “While MARAN is of the view that the establishment of the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) Maritime Collaboration Forum for the Shared Awareness and Deconfliction had enabled industry partners within the region to connect and interface on the right strategies to raise the bar in tackling these challenges.

    “l am constrained to say that the responses are not achieving set targets, effectively and efficiently.

    “The International Maritime Bureau report of July 2023 confirmed that the GoG witnessed a surge in maritime incidents in 2023, with five such incidents in the first quarter and nine in the second quarter.

    “Out of these, 12 were classified as armed robberies and two as piracy, predominantly targeting anchored vessels within the region,” he said.

    Also in his goodwill message, the former President Indigenous Shipowners Association of Nigeria, Mr Isaac Jolapamo, decried the state of security on the waterways.

    According to him, there is a lot to be said about security of Nigerian waters before it extends to the Gulf of Guinea and this dates back to over 40 years.

    Jolapamo decried the pitiable state of the present Nigerian shipowner, stressing that shipowners should be heard and not seen.

    The event was attended by several maritime bigwigs including; the Chairman, Integrated Oil and Gas Limited, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho; former President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Prince Olayiwola Shittu; President General, Maritime Worker’s Union of Nigeria, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju; and President, National Association of Master Mariners, Capt. Tadjudeen.

    Others were the President of NISA, Mr Sola Adewunmi; former President of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Chief Eugene Nweke and the Publisher, Shipping Position Newspaper, Mr Sesan Onilemo, among others.

  • Arewa Youths protest against Tompolo’s pipeline surveillance contract

    Arewa Youths protest against Tompolo’s pipeline surveillance contract

    Members of Northern Youth Advocacy For Good Governance Initiative and Arewa Youth Forum has staged a protest against the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security owned by Mr. Government Ekpemupolo, alias (Tompolo).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the youths, largely from the Northern region of the country, staged the protest at the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), demanding cancellation of the contract.

    The placards carrying protesters defied the presence of security operatives deployed to guard the facility as they called on President Bola Tinubu to exercise caution in renewing the contract over what they described as wanton financial malfeasance, they said plagued the contract.

    Some of the inscriptions on their placards read: Tompolo’s Pipeline Surveillance Is a Fraud, Sack and Probe Mele Kyari Now, NNPC Now An Osusu Ministry, among others.

    The President of Arewa Youth Congress, Comrade Musa Adebayo who spoke on behalf of the groups said there was no significant rise in the oil production quantum since the contract was awarded to Tompolo, adding that the successes being celebrated were normal production rates before mayhem of the Niger Delta Avengers.

    According to him, “It is hence a major matter of concern how much concerned efforts are being made to re-award the pipeline surveillance contracts to an ex- militant general despite the tension, financial malfeasance, disinformation and abnormalities that are inherent in the contract.

    “We expect that the federal government interest should be centered on knowing the tru cost of the pipeline surveillance contract as awarded as fresh facts and figures continue to emerge in the media.

    “We also expect the Federal government to suspend the NNPCL Group Chief Executive, Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari, Executive Vice President (Upstream), Mr Adokye Tombomieye, the Managing Director Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Mr. Ali Muhammed Zahra and Managing Director National Petroleum Investment Management Services, Mr. Bala Wunti.

    “They should be suspended and thoroughly investigated for their inputs in the contracts for the security and maintenance of pipeline infrastructure and ancillary facilities for eastern and western corridors and the establishment of a project management office for an unknown company (Inter-Atlas Limited ) which cost the Federal government almost one billion dollars in the last one year.

    “As concerned citizens, we should understand that the country is too tense to allow for any auction that may breed internal turmoil and more controversy within the ranks of its citizenry and we believe that awarding contracts to someone who should ordinarily be behind bars for the economic mayhem caused in the Niger Delta region between 2016 and 2018 is total anti- peace and anti- development”.

    Adebayo said they would continue to occupy the premises of the building until their demands are met.

  • Senate endorses oil pipeline surveillance contract to ex-militant leader, Tompolo

    Senate endorses oil pipeline surveillance contract to ex-militant leader, Tompolo

    The Senate has endorsed the N48billion oil pipeline surveillance contract by the Federal Government to Mr. Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, a former Niger Delta militant leader.

    Sen.Albert Akpan, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream) said this on Tuesday in Abuja, when he spoke with newsmen shortly after presenting the report of Senate ad hoc committee on oil lifting, theft, and the impact on petroleum production and oil revenues.

    Bassey said there was nothing wrong with engaging non-state actors to secure oil pipelines in as much as the contract was yielding desired results.

    He said oil theft has reduced the country’s oil production capacity and has resulted in the loss of about 2 billion dollars in revenue since the beginning of the year.

    Bassey said that major export facilities, like the Bonny and Forcados Terminals, were shut down for over seven months due to pipeline vandalism and oil theft.

    He, however, said the recent pipeline surveillance contract to address oil theft was yielding positive results as the country’s oil production capacity has increased.

    “There are both formal and informal approaches to solving the issue. If that contract was contracted duly and processed, we don’t have any issue with it and if it yields desired outcomes, I don’t think there is anything wrong in it.

    “We commend the NNPCL for the action, as we speak, the Forcado terminals have restored 500,000 barrels a day to our national production.

    “Just about five days ago, the first 87,000 barrels a day was received at the Bonny terminals. So, things are getting better.

    “This means that the abridged intervention done recently by government have yielded positive results because the production would have been shortened and you could imagine the effect on investment because investors will hold back if they cannot derive maximum profits from their investments,” he said.

    Earlier Senate at plenary adopted recommendations of the ad-hoc committee.

    Part of the recommendations included that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) should resume full regulatory oversight of all existing crude oil terminals in Nigeria.