The Ebikeme Family Worldwide in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has called on the lawmakers in the National Assembly to support the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) in the security firm's fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta region by expanding the surveillance contract, rather than yielding to calls of its cancellation.

In an official statement released on Thursday, and signed by Elder Godspine Ebikeme, Chief (Barr.) Bosin Ebikeme, Chief October Ebikeme, and Hon. Shadrach Onitsha Ebikeme, the family decried the attacks against TSSNL despite the recorded achievements by the company in the reduction of oil theft and revenue generation from increased oil output in the oil sector.

Part of the statement reads, "The Ebikeme Family in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, are compelled to add our voices to those in support of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) to safeguard national oil pipeline infrastructures in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria as tasked by the Federal Government through the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

"We are quite disappointed at the barrage of recent attacks against the TSSNL chaired by our Illustrious sons and leaders, High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, and Mr. Matthew Tonlagha, as well as managed by another of our proud son, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, FNSE FNIIS, despite the historic and undisputed achievements of the security firm in turning around the misfortunes in the oil and gas industry by eradicating to the barest minimum, oil theft, the reduction of the pollution of our habitat, and most importantly, the recoup of lost revenues from the illegal activities of saboteurs and oil thieves," they noted.

The family further cautioned members of the National Assembly to not yield to pressure to cancel the pipeline surveillance contract handled by TSSNL in favour of unpatriotic elements who do not mean well for the region.

They highlighted the benefits of TSSNL to include job creation, empowerment, and infrastructure even beyond its corporate social responsibility in the region, stressing that those against the TSSNL contract do not mean well for the people of the region.

"According to the 18th-century philosopher, Edmund Burke, 'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.' Hence, we are obliged to call on our honourable lawmakers in the National Assembly to practically look at the results of TSSNL, and not be hoodwinked by those who parade nothing, but sentiments in furthering their cause to create confusion and to return the nation on the infamous paths of backwardness.

"We are more concerned, arising from the fact that the securing of oil pipeline did not begin with TSSNL. Nobody ever raised any concerns against security contractors tasked with the job, like they are currently doing as regards to the TSSNL. This has made us to feel inclined to believe that this unrealistic call to cancel or review the contract is an agenda set in motion by oil thieves behind this campaign of calumny because it is no longer business as usual for them.

"With the achievements and astounding performance of TSSNL, there is no need for the authorities to even entertain such calls. Rather, the TSSNL contract of pipeline surveillance should be expanded as the security firm has performed incredibly beyond any doubt. The testimonies are there in the public space, however permit us to say that, as we speak, thousands of unemployed youths have been employed, individuals and businesses have been empowered, even public infrastructures have been donated by the TSSNL, beyond their corporate social responsibility, to ensure their fair contributions to the growth and development of the Niger Delta region.

"Those clamouring for the stoppage of the contract are truly enemies of progress and are never true friends of the Niger Delta people. These persons do not care for the effect such will have on the thousands that are benefitting from the generosity of TSSNL. The war against oil theft is not one to be fought by brooms and sticks, or by a shallow mentality devoid of strategic reasoning, but instead it calls for patriotism, focus, strategic collaboration and partnership as TSSNL is currently doing," the statement added.

The Ebikeme Family Worldwide, while cautioning the lawmakers to not forget so soon what the problem of oil theft caused the nation, appealed to the National Assembly to support the campaign against oil theft in the Niger Delta region by throwing its weight behind TSSNL.

"Those in authority should not forget where we are coming from. Once bitten, twice shy, so goes a popular adage. TSSNL deserves support from every well-meaning individuals and groups, including the honourable members of the National Assembly. At least, that is what anyone who mean well for the Niger Delta and for Nigeria at large should do," they urged.

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