- Calls for responsible, all-embracing implementation
The Deputy Senate President (DSP), Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has thrown his full support behind the decision of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to award its major pipelines surveillance contract to an outfit where High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo reportedly has interests.
In a statement signed by the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Senate President, Aruviere Martin Egharhevwa, Esq; Senator Omo-Agege “sincerely thanks the Federal Government of His Excellency, 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.
“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”, the DSP noted.
The Obarisi of Urhoboland also said 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, he added.
The DSP referred to Tompolo as a man of uncommon sense of integrity; adding that in “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’, the Deputy Senate President stated.
Omo-Agege expressed the conviction that “by objectively [in] 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”, noting that some may disagree and that it is their right to do so, which is duly respected. Senator Omo-Agege however, sincerely appealled for the understanding of all.
The statement added:
“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 contract. 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 Senate President, 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 a responsible, all-embracing implementation of the NNPCL pipelines surveillance contract”.