The Mayor of Urhoboland, Eshanekpe Israel, popularly known as Akpodoro, has called for calm amid rising tensions between the Urhobo Progressives Union (UPU) and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).
Speaking from his Mayoral Palace in Ughelli, the Mayor emphasized the critical role TSSNL, led by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (a.k.a. Tompolo), has played in empowering the Urhobo people.
He described the company as the most impactful private-sector initiative to benefit Urhobo youths in recent times and urged stakeholders to avoid actions that could undermine peace and progress in the region.
The UPU had recently petitioned the Federal Government to terminate TSSNL’s oil pipeline surveillance contract within Urhoboland and hand it over to an indigenous security outfit.
Mayor Akpodoro described this move as “misguided and personal,” arguing it unfairly targets a company that has created employment and lifted many youths out of poverty.
“Tantita, though led by an Ijaw son, has done more for the Urhobo youth than any political figure or government agency. This is not a time for division but for unity and support,” Akpodoro stated.
He criticized the subletting of parts of the surveillance contract to Zane Energy Services, a company owned by Jim Omo-Agege, brother of former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege.
The Mayor claimed the contract was awarded without proper consultation and alleged that the company has failed to deliver meaningful empowerment to the Urhobo people.
“I raised objections to this subletting years ago, warning it would bring setbacks. Unfortunately, my concerns are now a reality. Unlike TSSNL, Zane Energy has not empowered Urhobo youths beyond a few relatives of the owner,” he added.
Akpodoro recounted leading a delegation of Urhobo youth leaders to meet Tompolo in Gbaramatu in June 2024, highlighting the warm reception and discussions focused on mutual cooperation, peace, and youth inclusion in anti-oil theft efforts.
He revealed that TSSNL had pledged to develop a new operational framework that would further integrate Urhobo youths through the UPU Youth Wing and warned against allowing political interests to derail this collaboration.
“The recent calls to discredit Tantita are premature and in bad faith. We must not destroy the bridges that have uplifted us. TSSNL is not the problem—Zane Energy is,” the Mayor asserted.
He appealed to UPU leadership to revisit their stance and recognize the contributions of TSSNL in advancing the welfare of Urhobo communities. “Rather than call for their removal, we should commend and support Tantita to do even more. Unity between the Urhobo and Ijaw nations is essential for peace and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.”
