Omo-Agege commends NNPCL, FG on the award of pipelines surveillance contract to Tompolo’ Company

…Calls for all-embracing implementation

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has commended the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for awarding its major pipelines surveillance contract to a company where High Chief Government ‘Tompolo’ Ekpemupolo reportedly has interests.

Senator Omo-Agege in a statement signed by Barr Aruviere Martin Egharhevwa, Executive Assistant to the Deputy President of the Senate, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR and commends the management of NNPCL ably led by Mr. Mele Kyari for this “well-advised, non-discriminatory, merit-based and strategic decision” aimed at the steeming ugly trend of oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

The Deputy President of the Senate, also stated that he wholly supports the decision of NNPCL to give Tompolo’s company the contract stressing; “It is a thoughtful decision that holds the promise of impacting positively on constant efforts by the Federal Government to curtail avoidable disruptions in our crude oil production and improve our national economy, security and stability.”

According to him: “The Obarisi of Urhoboland notes that High Chief Ekpemupolo is an extraordinary Niger Delta patriot whose passion for proper development of the Niger Delta region is unblemished, though sometimes misunderstood. The reality is that Tompolo’s commitment to the betterment and modern development of the Niger Delta, especially its oil-bearing communities, is beyond question and etched in so many hearts and minds in the region.

“High Chief Ekpemupolo is a man of an uncommon sense of integrity. In 2007 when President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua of blessed memory held a meeting with virtually all prominent leaders of groups that challenged the Federal Government to take decisive steps to address and reverse pervasive environmental degradation arising from years of reckless petroleum exploitation by multinational corporations operating in the Niger Delta, High Chief Ekpemupolo stood out as a brilliant shining star and worthy, selfless ambassador of the entire region when, shunning plea for personal benefits like many, he calmly and convincing said, “Mr. President, I don’t need anything for myself. Just develop the Niger Delta. That is my only interest. My people are suffering. Develop the Niger Delta.” This has made a lasting impression on many about the genuineness of his cause on behalf of our people.

“So, the Deputy President of the Senate is convinced that by objectively choosing a company where Tompolo has stakes through an organised bidding process to add value to responsible and peaceful oil exploration in the region, the Federal Government and NNPCL acted with excellent wisdom. Some may disagree and it is their right to do so, and it is duly respected. However, Senator Omo-Agege sincerely appeals for the understanding of all.

“His Excellency, Senator Omo-Agege congratulates High Chief Government ‘Tompolo’ Ekpemupolo and the management and staff of his company for their successful bid and wishes them well. They are encouraged and advised to engage relevant stakeholders, particularly those from communities with oil exploration pipelines, as they execute their contracts. He trusts them to be guided by the best interests of our people, especially our responsible and energetic youths.

“For the good of all, the Deputy President of the Senate, Obarisi of Urhoboland and Governorship candidate of the Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 General Elections, His Excellency, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege sincerely appeals to our people to support the Federal Government and its relevant security agencies and NNPCL to contribute to securing greater peace in the Niger Delta and the entire nation through responsible, all-embracing implementation of the NNPCL pipelines surveillance contract.”