The Mayor of Urhoboland and prominent industrialist, Eshanekpe Israel Akpodoro, has strongly opposed recent calls by the Urhobo Progressives Union (UPU) to terminate the services of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) in the region.
The UPU, led by President General Olorogun Ese Gam, SAN, had advocated for the replacement of TSSNL with indigenous Urhobo security contractors in overseeing oil facility surveillance in Urhoboland.
In a weekend statement, Mayor Akpodoro acknowledged the UPU’s intent to protect Urhobo interests but emphasized that Tantita has consistently worked in collaboration with Urhobo youths. He stated that these youths are “comfortably taken care of” under TSSNL’s management, which he described as fair and inclusive.
“Tantita has not sidelined Urhobo people. In fact, several sons of Urhobo land are actively involved and benefiting from the contract. The company pays indigenous subcontractors promptly and carries out its corporate social responsibilities effectively within host communities,” Akpodoro said.
The Mayor alleged that a particular Urhobo politician, who previously benefited from subcontracts under Tantita, has since been exploiting the arrangement for personal gain. He cautioned that this individual’s influence may be behind the UPU’s push to remove the firm.
Akpodoro redirected criticism toward Zane Energy Services, managed by Jim Omo-Agege, the younger brother of former Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. He questioned what benefits Urhobo youths have received from Zane’s security contract, urging the UPU to hold Senator Omo-Agege accountable instead of targeting TSSNL.
Describing the UPU’s stance as “uncharitable,” Akpodoro urged its leadership to engage with TSSNL constructively rather than issuing divisive statements.
“As Mayor, I have personally engaged with TSSNL leadership multiple times to improve collaboration with Urhobo youths. In June 2024, I led a delegation of Urhobo youths to meet with TSSNL’s CEO, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (a.k.a Tompolo), who welcomed us in his Gbaramatu Kingdom and reaffirmed his commitment to working with our people,” he revealed.
Akpodoro dismissed the call for Tantita’s removal as premature and politically motivated, warning that such actions could undermine the fight against oil theft. “You don’t change a winning team. TSSNL is delivering results where others have failed,” he stated.
He further called on the Federal Government to expand TSSNL’s operational scope and increase its funding to strengthen oil pipeline security and eliminate oil theft in the Niger Delta.
Mayor Akpodoro urged Urhobo leaders to set aside internal differences and work together for the common good. “This is not the time for division. We must unite, support effective solutions, and avoid actions that could derail the progress already made in securing our oil assets,” he said.
