The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned recent allegations targeting High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro.
In a statement released by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, at the weekend, HURIWA described the accusations as malicious fabrications orchestrated by criminal elements threatened by the duo’s success in combating oil theft and fostering peace in the Niger Delta.
Recall that a viral video circulating on social media accused Tompolo and Otuaro of heinous crimes, including kidnapping and murder, but HURIWA dismissed the claims as false, asserting that they are part of a calculated smear campaign by oil bunkering syndicates attempting to discredit individuals who have significantly disrupted their illicit operations.
“Under the leadership of Tompolo, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) has been at the forefront of combating crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. Since its engagement by the Federal Government in August 2022, Tantita has recorded remarkable achievements,” the statement read.
According to HURIWA, Tantita uncovered 3,963 incidents related to oil theft, including 702 illegal connection points, 971 theft cases, and 1,784 illegal refineries.
It added that the company also dismantled 3,063 illegal facilities and apprehended numerous assets linked to these criminal activities, adding that these concerted efforts have led to a reported 79% reduction in crude oil losses, underscoring Tantita’s effectiveness in safeguarding Nigeria’s oil production.
HURIWA emphasised that Tantita’s operations not only curbed economic sabotage but also fostered a sense of security among local communities.
It added that the company’s collaboration with government and security agencies—such as the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, Civil Defence, and the Department of State Services—has been pivotal in securing oil installations and improving regional safety and has enhanced intelligence gathering and operational efficiency, leading to more coordinated and successful interventions against oil theft.
On PAP, HURIWA commended Dr Otuaro’s leadership, noting that his administration transformed the programme from a stipend-based scheme into a comprehensive empowerment programme.
It noted that through proactive stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, and meaningful empowerment initiatives, Otuaro has turned numerous ex-agitators into responsible, productive citizens contributing to national development.
HURIWA further noted that under Otuaro’s leadership, the PAP has focused on strengthening institutional capacity to ensure long-term effectiveness. Initiatives such as staff reorientation workshops have fostered teamwork and improved service delivery, ensuring the programme continues to meet its objectives of peacebuilding and reintegration.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE