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Ijaw Youths Expose International Blackmail Plot Against Tompolo, Otuaro, and Kyari
The Ijaw Youths Network (IYN) has sounded the alarm over a coordinated international blackmail campaign targeting the Chairman of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Mele Kyari, and the Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its President, Frank Ebikabo, and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, the IYN condemned a venomous cabal of oil thieves funding a smear campaign against the three figures. The group decried a recent video of a staged protest in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York, orchestrated by rogue elements making baseless allegations against Tompolo, Kyari, and Otuaro.
The IYN called on National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and other key security officials to investigate the perpetrators of the blackmail and ensure justice is served. The group urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to remain resolute in his administration’s fight against oil theft, which has seen Nigeria’s crude oil production rise to 1.8 million barrels per day.
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The IYN alleged that an influential cabal of oil thieves, armed with vast resources and international collaborators, is behind the campaign to discredit those championing the fight against oil theft. This cabal, the group claims, has benefitted from years of illicit oil deals and will not give up without resistance.
“Their actions are a direct attack on Nigeria’s economy, national security, and the leadership of this country,” the statement said. “We are not surprised that these criminals are using their ill-gotten wealth to sponsor smear campaigns against individuals whose work has significantly curtailed their activities.”
The IYN applauded the leadership of Tompolo, Kyari, and Otuaro, emphasizing their commitment to ending oil theft and maintaining peace in the Niger Delta. The group pointed out that some of the individuals orchestrating the blackmail are disgruntled elements who sought appointments in the PAP but were unsuccessful.
The IYN also highlighted the achievements of the Tinubu administration in curbing oil theft and increasing crude oil production. The group described the recent protest in New York as a “show of shame” aimed at tarnishing Nigeria’s image and undermining national progress.
The IYN called on Niger Delta organizations to rally in support of Tantita Security Services, the NNPCL, and the PAP. The group urged President Tinubu to remain steadfast in protecting the gains made in the fight against oil theft.
“We urge Mr. Kyari and Dr. Otuaro to continue their excellent work despite these distractions. The focus of the cabal’s attacks is proof that their actions are suffocating the criminals’ illicit operations.”
The IYN concluded with a warning to the cabal, stating that their attempts to derail Nigeria’s progress would not succeed.