Surveillance Contract: HOSCON Defends Tompolo, Urges Focus on 13% Derivation for Host Communities
By Ezekiel Kagbala
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON) has cautioned critics of pipeline surveillance contracts to desist from attacks on the Chief Executive of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, describing him as a key driver of improved oil production and stability in the Niger Delta.
In a strongly worded statement, HOSCON National Chairman, Mike Emuh, on thursday said persistent criticism of Tantita’s leadership was “counter-productive” and undermines ongoing efforts to secure oil assets and sustain production in the region.
“We consider it a critical concern that must be addressed. Under Tompolo’s leadership, Tantita has helped foster peace, unity, and an enabling environment for increased oil and gas output in the Niger Delta,” Emuh stated.
He formally distanced HOSCON from the ongoing attacks, urging aggrieved groups to embrace restraint and constructive dialogue rather than engage in what he described as divisive rhetoric.
Emuh also linked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s confidence in Tompolo to a long-standing relationship, recalling the high-profile 2023 campaign meeting held in Okporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State.
HOSCON founder Chief Dr. Wellington Okrika Con, the National Chairman, Chief Mike Emuh and host of prominent were part of the campaign meeting.
About 100 Traditional Rulers from Niger Delta Region attended the campaign meeting, His Royal Majesty Pere Aketekpe Agadagba OBORO -GBRAUN 11 of Gbaramatu kingdom conferred a great Traditional chieftaincy Title of YILAWEI of Gbaramatu kingdom on President Amhed Bola Tinubu at campaign meeting
According to Emuh, the President’s trust in Tompolo reflects confidence in his capacity to manage the region’s surveillance architecture effectively. “The results so far speak for themselves in terms of improved security and production,” he added.
Shifting focus, the HOSCON chairman urged agitators to channel their energy toward more pressing issues affecting host communities. These include the direct implementation of the 13 percent oil derivation fund, full enforcement of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), and the operationalisation of Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution in favour of oil-bearing communities.
He further advocated for the establishment of a 13 percent Derivation Board to ensure transparency and accountability in fund disbursement.
“These are the critical priorities that should engage stakeholders’ attention, not a fixation on surveillance contracts,” Emuh stressed.
While acknowledging gaps in the implementation of the PIA, Emuh warned against rivalry and any form of violence, calling instead for unity among stakeholders including the Federal Government, South-South governors, traditional institutions, and host communities to achieve sustainable development.
He urged all parties to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration in building a peaceful, stable, and economically viable Niger Delta.
