A prominent Niger Delta group has strongly criticised High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over his recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu and alleged moves to secure the renewal of the controversial Tantita Security Services contract.
The Niger Delta Patriotic Front (NDPF) described Tompolo’s actions as self-serving antics aimed at personal benefit rather than genuine support for the administration.
The group urged President Tinubu not to be deceived by such political patronage, stressing the need to prioritise national security and economic interests over renewing what they called a “failed project.”
“Tompolo’s sudden loud endorsement of President Tinubu is nothing but a calculated move to push for the renewal of the failed Tantita contract. We warn the President not to fall for this deception,” said Comrade Timi Otu, Coordinator of the Niger Delta Patriotic Front.
“The Tantita arrangement has not delivered the expected results in curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism. Renewing it would amount to rewarding failure at the expense of national security and the economy,” Otu added.
The Front argued that despite billions spent on the Tantita contract, crude oil theft and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta persist, undermining government revenue and development efforts.
They called on the President to explore more effective, transparent, and competitive models for protecting critical oil infrastructure.
According to the group, true national interest demands a thorough performance audit of the Tantita contract before any consideration of renewal, rather than allowing personal or political connections to influence such critical decisions.
“President Tinubu should focus on genuine reforms that serve the people, not patronage that benefits a few individuals. Tompolo’s antics should not blind the administration to the failures of Tantita,” Comrade Otu stated.
Read Also: Ogun Police Release Updated Telephone Numbers of Area Commanders, DPOs
“We have a duty to warn Mr. President: Prioritise national security and the economy over political patronage. The Niger Delta people deserve better than recycled failed arrangements,” he continued.
The group highlighted that several reports and community complaints have pointed to shortcomings in the Tantita model, including allegations of inefficiency and inadequate community involvement.
They maintained that sustainable security in the oil sector requires broader participation and innovative strategies beyond single-contractor arrangements.
The Niger Delta Patriotic Front commended President Tinubu’s broader reform agenda but cautioned that renewing questionable contracts could erode public confidence and undermine ongoing economic recovery efforts.
“Tompolo should stop hiding behind support for the President to pursue private business interests. The Tantita project must not be revisited without transparent bidding and proven performance metrics,” Otu declared.
“What Mr. President must know is that Tompolo has become a political liability to Mr. President as continued tolerance of his fake patronage is capable of eroding the good diplomatic relationship Nigeria and the United States of America currently enjoy following the reported revoking of Mr. Tompolo associates Visas by the United States over alleged oil bunkering, Oil Vessel diversion and theft.
“The Reported illegal arrest and prolonged detention of Niger Delta youths by the Tantita Security Services has also raised human right concerns within the diplomatic community. It is therefore a great disservice to Mr. President to continue to associate with Tompolo and his failed Tantita Security services.
“Nigerians are watching. We urge President Tinubu to remain focused on delivering lasting solutions rather than succumbing to pressure from vested interests in the Niger Delta,” the coordinator warned.
