Ezekiel Defends Tompolo on pipeline surveillance job performance, calls for renewal of contract by FG
In response to recent negative publications and criticisms of High Chief Government Ekemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, a Niger Delta human rights activist, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel, has come forward to set the record straight regarding Tompolo's performance in the pipeline surveillance job.
Ezekiel expressed his disappointment at the cacophony of voices, particularly from ex-militant leaders who had once benefited from Tompolo's mentorship, but were now joining forces with outsiders to malign him. He described this act as unfortunate and ungrateful.
The activist recounted the genesis of the pipeline surveillance job, which began in 2002 when former President Olusegun Obasanjo sought to address the rampant oil theft, vandalism, and sabotage in the Niger Delta region. Obasanjo engaged in negotiations with Tompolo, leading to a groundbreaking arrangement between an individual and the government to secure pipelines.
The negotiations continued until the late President Umar Musa Yar'Adua assumed power in 2007. In 2010, the federal government awarded the first-ever pipeline surveillance job to Tompolo, who successfully delivered on the contract, receiving commendations from Nigerians across the country.
However, shortly after the job was awarded to Tompolo, influential government officials began pressuring the president to distribute the job to other interested parties. Despite being contented with his position, Tompolo agreed to include his fellow brothers from the region.
According to Ezekiel, Tompolo was the only one who fulfilled his contractual obligations, while others failed dismally in their respective areas. These same individuals, now parading themselves as ex-militant leaders, conspired with influential figures to tarnish Tompolo's reputation and poison President Buhari's mind against him.
Their scheme aimed to remove Tompolo from the job, presuming that it would be transferred to them. However, their plans were thwarted when the job was instead given to a total stranger, the late Captain Hosa, a Bini man. Under Captain Hosa's leadership, oil theft and various illegal activities plagued the oil sector, causing Nigeria's daily oil production to plummet.
Recognizing the mistake, President Buhari eventually reversed course and reawarded parts of the job to Tompolo's company, Tantita. Over the past year, Tompolo and his team have diligently tackled leakages in the oil sector, resulting in significant improvements in oil output.
Ezekiel criticized other ex-militant leaders, including Ateke Tom, Ben Ebikabowei, Asari Dokubo, Bibopere Ajube, and Ayiri Emami from Rivers and Bayelsa states, alleging that they did nothing to contribute to the job's success. Instead, they allegedly misappropriated funds intended for worker welfare for personal gain.
The activist vehemently opposed the idea of granting the pipeline surveillance job to these individuals, citing their lack of capacity and greed. He called for the renewal of Tantita's contract, highlighting the company's impressive record over the past year.
In conclusion, Ezekiel expressed his support, alongside other critical stakeholders, for the continuation of Tompolo's pipeline surveillance job, emphasizing the positive impact it has on Nigeria's oil sector
