The Mayor of Urhoboland and former militant leader, His Excellency Eshanekpe Israel, popularly known as Akpodoro, has urged the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) to exercise caution and prioritize peace in its public engagements, especially concerning relations with neighboring ethnic groups in the Delta region.
Speaking at a well-attended press conference in Ughelli, which drew stakeholders from across Urhoboland—including President-Generals of over sixteen clans, high chiefs, elders, and opinion leaders—Mayor Akpodoro responded strongly to a recent statement by the UPU calling for the expulsion of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL) from Urhoboland.
Mayor Akpodoro defended TSSNL, describing it as one of the largest employers of labour in the Niger Delta after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), with over 4,000 Urhobo youths currently benefiting from its operations. He criticized the UPU for failing to consult stakeholders before making its position public, calling their stance a “major gaffe.”
In a speech titled “The Need to Foster Harmonious Relationships Between Two Brothers – the Ijaw Nation and the Urhobo Component of Tantita Security Services”, Akpodoro highlighted the strategic partnership between Urhobo and Ijaw communities under TSSNL. He emphasized the unity that has emerged from this collaboration and warned against actions that could jeopardize the peace and development being achieved.
Akpodoro also provided context regarding the allocation of oil pipeline surveillance contracts, revealing that a portion of the western Nigerian waterway contracts was given to Zane Energy Services—a company linked to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege through his brother, Jim Omo-Agege. Akpodoro described this as a “mistake” and criticized Omo-Agege for allegedly sidelining the Urhobo community in favor of personal interests.
He recalled how he took the matter before traditional institutions and the UPU but received minimal support at the time. According to him, the Presidential Amnesty Programme originally designated such contracts for ex-militants as the primary beneficiaries, and bypassing this arrangement has undermined youth empowerment in Urhoboland.
Akpodoro praised the leadership of TSSNL, particularly Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Chief Keston Pondi, and Dr. Dennis Otuaro, for actively engaging and empowering Urhobo youths. He recounted a recent visit in June 2024, during which he led the Urhobo Youth Council (UYC) to meet with Tompolo in Gbaramatu Kingdom. The reception, he said, symbolized deep respect and cooperation between the Ijaw and Urhobo people.
“Tompolo and TSSNL have done more for Urhobo youths than any government. Without their support, many of our young people would have remained unemployed and destitute,” he stated.
The Mayor cautioned against creating division between the Urhobo and Ijaw nations, urging the UPU to withdraw its call for TSSNL’s removal. He described the company as a “beacon of hope” in the region and called on the Federal Government to expand TSSNL’s operational scope and increase its funding to enable greater youth engagement.
“TSSNL should not be attacked or rejected. If any company should be questioned, it is Zane Energy Services, which has failed to include Urhobo youths in its operations. That company does not represent the interests of our people,” Akpodoro emphasized.
He urged all stakeholders to focus on unity, mutual respect, and progress. “We must not destroy what is working. Peace, tolerance, and partnership are the keys to sustainable development in the Niger Delta.”
