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Ignore Calls For Tantita Pipeline Surveillance Contract Termination, family Urges NASS

Published

3 months ago

March 5, 2026

Ebikeme family of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has urged members of the National Assembly not yield to pressure to cancel the pipeline surveillance contract of
Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).

In a statement signed by Elder Godspine Ebikeme, Chief (Barr.) Bosin Ebikeme, Chief October Ebikeme, and Hon. Shadrach Onitsha Ebikeme, described those calling for the cancellation of the contract as “unpatriotic elements who do not mean well for the region.”

The family, while highlighting the benefits of TSSNL to include job creation, empowerment, and infrastructure even beyond its corporate social responsibility in the region, stressed that those against the TSSNL contract do not mean well for the people of the region.

“According to the 18th-century philosopher, Edmund Burke, ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.’ Hence, we are obliged to call on our honourable lawmakers in the National Assembly to practically look at the results of TSSNL, and not be hoodwinked by those who parade nothing, but sentiments in furthering their cause to create confusion and to return the nation on the infamous paths of backwardness.

“We are more concerned, arising from the fact that the securing of the oil pipeline did not begin with TSSNL. Nobody ever raised any concerns against security contractors tasked with the job, like they are currently doing as regards the TSSNL. This has made us feel inclined to believe that this unrealistic call to cancel or review the contract is an agenda set in motion by oil thieves behind this campaign of calumny because it is no longer business as usual for them.

“With the achievements and astounding performance of TSSNL, there is no need for the authorities to even entertain such calls. Rather, the TSSNL contract of pipeline surveillance should be expanded as the security firm has performed incredibly beyond any doubt. The testimonies are there in the public space, however permit us to say that, as we speak, thousands of unemployed youths have been employed, individuals and businesses have been empowered, even public infrastructures have been donated by the TSSNL, beyond their corporate social responsibility, to ensure their fair contributions to the growth and development of the Niger Delta region.

“Those clamouring for the stoppage of the contract are truly enemies of progress and are never true friends of the Niger Delta people. These persons do not care for the effect such will have on the thousands that are benefitting from the generosity of TSSNL.

“The war against oil theft is not one to be fought by brooms and sticks, or by a shallow mentality devoid of strategic reasoning, but instead it calls for patriotism, focus, strategic collaboration and partnership as TSSNL is currently doing,” the statement added.

The family, while reminding the lawmakers of the problem of oil theft caused the nation, appealed to the National Assembly to support the campaign against oil theft in the Niger Delta region by throwing its weight behind TSSNL.

“Those in authority should not forget where we are coming from. Once bitten, twice shy, so goes a popular adage. TSSNL deserves support from every well-meaning individuals and groups, including the honourable members of the National Assembly. At least, that is what anyone who means well for the Niger Delta and for Nigeria at large should do,” they urged.

The family, while urging the NASS to support the TSSNL in the security firm’s fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta region, said the company has recorded achievements in the reduction of oil theft and revenue generation from increased oil output in the oil sector.

The statement reads, “The Ebikeme Family in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, are compelled to add our voices to those in support of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) to safeguard national oil pipeline infrastructures in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria as tasked by the Federal Government through the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

“We are quite disappointed at the barrage of recent attacks against the TSSNL chaired by our Illustrious sons and leaders, High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, and Mr. Matthew Tonlagha, as well as managed by another of our proud son, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, FNSE FNIIS, despite the historic and undisputed achievements of the security firm in turning around the misfortunes in the oil and gas industry by eradicating to the barest minimum, oil theft, the reduction of the pollution of our habitat, and most importantly, the recoup of lost revenues from the illegal activities of saboteurs and oil thieves.”

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.