By John Ibrahim
The Forum of Concerned Niger Delta Ex-Agitators has condemned a smear campaign allegedly orchestrated by international oil thieves and their Nigerian collaborators against Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
In a joint statement issued on Monday and signed by Chief (Gen.) Otegha Ayebi (The Last Don), Gen. Benjamin Ekeremor (The Opu Abadi), and Gen. Adowei Binaebi, the forum described the recent protests and allegations against the trio as a desperate attempt by frustrated oil theft syndicates to undermine ongoing efforts to restore order and boost crude oil production in the Niger Delta.
The statement, titled “The Last Kick of a Dying Horse: Oil Thieves’ Futile Attempt to Tarnish Tompolo, Kyari, and Otuaro Before the International Community,” accused Kingsley Kuku, Ebokabowei Victor-Ben (alias Boyloaf), Jude Gbaboyor, Bibopri Ajube (alias Shoot-at-Sight), and Robinson Ariyo of orchestrating a campaign of calumny against the trio.
According to the ex-agitators, a recent one-man protest in New York, where banners accusing Tompolo of human rights violations were displayed, is part of the smear plot. The forum dismissed the protest as inconsequential, accusing its sponsors of seeking to discredit the achievements of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) and disrupt the government’s anti-oil theft operations.
The forum lauded the efforts of Tompolo and TSSNL, noting that their activities had significantly curbed crude oil theft and increased daily oil production to over 2 million barrels.
“Tompolo has changed the narrative of oil exploration in the Niger Delta, with daily production records showing rapid improvement. His work has ensured that the nation’s resources are protected from saboteurs,” the statement read.
It also commended Dr. Dennis Otuaro for his reforms in the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which have prevented the recruitment of ex-agitators into illegal activities, and highlighted Mele Kyari’s leadership in steering the NNPCL towards economic progress.
The ex-agitators called for the identification and prosecution of those behind the smear campaign, urging the government not to relent in the fight against crude oil theft.
“It is time for Kingsley Kuku, Boyloaf, Shoot-at-Sight, Gbaboyor, and Ariyo to seek legitimate means of livelihood. The days of illegal oil bunkering are over,” the statement emphasized.
The Forum reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and other stakeholders committed to fighting oil theft and safeguarding the nation’s economy. They vowed to continue exposing and resisting any attempt to discredit Tompolo, Kyari, and Otuaro.
