Comrade Prince Kpokpogri, founder and chairman of the Anti‑Corruption and Integrity Forum, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard what he described as “blackmail and sponsored propaganda” against Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over the oil pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

In an open letter to the President, Kpokpogri alleged that certain individuals within and outside the Niger Delta were orchestrating sustained media attacks against Tompolo and his company, motivated by selfish interests rather than patriotism. He condemned these campaigns as the work of “subversive elements” and “fifth columnists.”

While acknowledging calls for broader participation in pipeline surveillance, Kpokpogri cautioned against turning such advocacy into a “pull‑him‑down campaign” against Tompolo, whose contributions to the Niger Delta struggle remain significant. He highlighted Tompolo’s sacrifices during the militancy era and credited Tantita Security Services with reducing crude oil theft and boosting Nigeria’s oil production from below one million barrels per day to nearly 1.8 million barrels daily.

Kpokpogri also praised the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including community empowerment, small business support, and infrastructural assistance across the Niger Delta. He commended leaders such as Kestin Pondi and Matthew Tonlagha for their role in youth and business empowerment.

He questioned why critics of the current arrangement remained silent when similar contracts were previously awarded to other private operators.

Kpokpogri urged Niger Deltans to support ongoing efforts to sanitize the oil sector, curb crude oil theft, and protect national assets. He appealed to the Federal Government to sustain confidence in Tantita Security Services, citing its operational experience and familiarity with the riverine terrain.