Ex-Bayelsa Governor Dickson Storms Gbaramatu, Hails Tompolo’s Fight Against Crude Oil Theft

…Says Tantita Has Restored Aquatic Life to Niger Delta Waters

Former Bayelsa Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, His Excellency, Chief Henry Seriake Dickson, on Friday visited Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State, where he praised High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a Tompolo, for his efforts in combating crude oil theft and environmental degradation.

During his visit to Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Dickson emphasized the crucial role Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) has played in restoring stability and aquatic life in the Niger Delta waters.

He expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s engagement of Tantita Security Services, describing it as a commendable step. Dickson highlighted the importance of expanding Tantita’s coverage to maximize its impact across the country.

In his address, Dickson commended the traditional ruler of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Majesty Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, and the kingdom for maintaining order, peace, and stability in the region. He noted that Gbaramatu Kingdom is “a very strategic part of Ijaw nation, Niger Delta, and Nigeria,” and appreciated the contributions being made in stopping vandalism of strategic national assets within the territory, as well as reducing illegal bunkering and environmental degradation caused by illegal refineries.

Dickson, who was accompanied by several political associates and supporters from Bayelsa State, explained that his visit was to express solidarity with the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom, whom he described as his kinsmen.

He said: “The good thing that the Federal Government and the NNPC and all the agencies have done is by engaging a man who understands the physical terrain and also the operating environment. All the systems he knows them. And that’s why he and his people have been able to bring some semblance of normalcy.

“A lot still has to be done, so I want to encourage him now that I am here. I have seen development myself. I want to encourage him to do more.

“I thank the President, the Petroleum Ministry, and the NNPC and all of them for working with him. I think that partnership needs to be strengthened, sustained, and expanded so that Tantita can do more.

“Stopping pilfering and crude oil vandalism is one thing. But we are also bothered about the environmental degradation of our region. This is our area. This is where we live. And for the Ijaw man, these rivers you see are our life because our lives depend on our waters. Hence, polluting our waterways, our rivers, and our creeks is a major existential threat to our people.

“And so, we thank Tompolo and his colleagues in Tantita and encourage the security agencies to collaborate more with them and NNPC to strengthen that partnership and extend it so that they can do more for our people.”

Responding, the traditional ruler of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Majesty Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, expressed gratitude to the former Governor of Bayelsa State for the visit, imploring him to maintain close ties with the Kingdom as an Ijaw leader.

Following the visit, Dickson was honored with a grand reception at the palace playground. The festivities showcased cultural displays, traditional music, and dance performances that highlighted the rich heritage of the Gbaramatu Kingdom. The event drew a jubilant crowd of indigenes and visitors, all gathered to witness and celebrate this historic occasion.

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