...As Apostle Ezekiel Daniel Praises Delta State Government For Acquiring Security Support Vessel

Apostle Ezekiel Daniel has commended the Delta State Government for strengthening its maritime security operations by inducting a new security support vessel to help combat oil theft, illegal bunkering and other crimes on the state’s waterways in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy.

He specifically praised the state government for acquiring SSV-KALI 3, a specially built vessel equipped with modern electronic surveillance technology to monitor ships and their activities, including crude oil loading.

Daniel said the move was particularly important given what he described as the alleged abuse of privilege arising from Tompolo’s long-standing control of pipeline surveillance operations.

According to him, the situation has also raised concerns over alleged human rights violations and Nigeria’s inability to consistently meet its OPEC crude oil production quota.

“It is a known fact that Tompolo’s monolithic hold on the pipeline surveillance job has brought about abuse of the privilege the contract gives him, especially in the area of human rights violations,” Daniel said.

He added that information in the public domain had linked Tompolo and members of his group to the shortfall in Nigeria’s crude oil production, allegations that he said should be properly investigated.

Daniel noted that the concerns had led several stakeholders in the Niger Delta to call on President Bola Tinubu not to renew the pipeline surveillance contract in its present form, but instead decentralise it to allow more players to operate in different areas.

“Though the job has not been officially decentralised or renewed for Tompolo, it means that Mr President is listening to our agitation, hence his silence on the matter,” he said.

He described the Delta State Government’s decision to take the lead in protecting oil facilities as a welcome development, saying it could promote peace in riverine communities, create employment opportunities for young people and reduce alleged human rights abuses.

Daniel, however, strongly criticised the Delta State Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) over its recent position on the matter.

“To Delta State CDHR, I say shame on you. You are a disgrace to the human rights community,” he said.

He particularly mentioned Comrade Derrick Oristemisan Agberen and Comrade Godswill Nosa, identified as the chairman and publicity secretary who signed the statement, accusing them of failing to speak out against alleged abuses attributed to Tompolo and his associates.

Daniel alleged that people had been kidnapped, abducted, tortured and detained in what he described as private detention facilities in Oporoza. He specifically mentioned Charles Kurobo and Karuwei Balamene, whom he alleged had been detained since 2024, as well as some Itsekiri youths he claimed were allegedly abducted three weeks ago.

“These allegations are in the public domain, with victims recounting their experiences. Yet none of you has, for once, come out to condemn these barbaric, horrendous, callous and wicked acts,” he said.

He questioned what he described as the silence of the CDHR, saying the organisation should remain focused on its traditional responsibility of defending citizens against human rights violations.

“The CDHR I knew during my student days as an activist would have been at the forefront, calling on the government and security agencies to investigate such matters and mobilising citizens. It is unfortunate that the fire is no longer there because of compromise,” Daniel said.

He also questioned the committee’s criticism of an elected government for deciding how best to protect state assets and provide services to its people.

“What is the business of CDHR in how an elected government goes about running its affairs and bringing good governance to its citizens? Has Governor Oborewori committed any crime by saying, ‘Let me protect my assets,’ instead of allowing them to remain entirely in the hands of one authoritarian figure whom the citizens did not give the right to govern them?” he asked.

Daniel described the CDHR statement signed by Agberen and Nosa as “empty, baseless and nauseating,” alleging that it appeared to be an assignment carried out on behalf of interests outside the organisation’s core mandate.

He urged the two activists to redirect their attention to the fundamental principles for which CDHR was established, particularly the protection of human rights.

“I will advise these misguided young men to refocus their energy on the core values of why CDHR was established, which is fighting against human rights violations, and not becoming interlopers and spokespersons for Tantita,” Daniel said.

He further alleged that some individuals associated with Tantita, including Tare Pondi, Kari Ebipade, Super Ebilade, KFT and Bodmas Kemepadel, had been accused of violating the rights of others.

Daniel stressed that the debate over oil surveillance and the protection of critical national assets should ultimately serve the interests of the people, particularly communities and young people in the Niger Delta.