…Hails Tompolo
A prominent Niger Delta ex-militant leader and Chief Executive Officer of Gallery Security Services Limited, Bibopere Ajube, has insisted that the ongoing call for a review and decentralisation of oil pipeline surveillance contracts is driven by a quest for fairness and not a challenge to Tantita Security Services Limited or its principal, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Ajube dismissed insinuations that the agitation by ex-militant leaders amounts to a betrayal of Tompolo, stressing that his loyalty to the Ijaw leader remains intact.
“My relationship with Tompolo cannot be reduced to blind allegiance at the expense of the very ideals we all fought for,” he said. “I did not participate in the Ijaw-Itsekiri crisis because my community was attacked. I stood up for the broader Ijaw cause such as economic emancipation and justice for our people.”
Ajube, widely known by his wartime moniker “Shoot-at-Sight,” said the push for decentralisation is anchored on the need to ensure equitable distribution of opportunities, stronger accountability, and adherence to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He explained that the agitation followed a meeting in Rivers State involving notable former militant leaders, including King Ateke Tom and Victor Ben (Boyloaf), where they collectively called for a review of the existing pipeline surveillance framework.
According to him, the objective is not to undermine existing arrangements but to create a more balanced system that prevents excessive concentration of power.
“It is about territorial control, security stability, equitable economic distribution, and preventing the dangerous concentration of power,” Ajube said. “When a few individuals control both economic resources and security structures across the region, it creates a serious risk.”
Ajube also reflected on his past involvement in the Niger Delta struggle, noting that his actions were always guided by principle rather than personal gain.
“When we confronted multinational oil companies, it was not because pipelines ran through my backyard but because I saw injustice and chose to resist it,” he said. “When I took up arms against the Federal Government, it was not because I was from Delta State but because I believed in justice and fairness.”
He further recounted his role in protecting Tompolo during one of the most volatile periods of the conflict, stating that his actions at the time were driven by loyalty and conviction.
“When Camp 5 was destroyed and many fled, I did not run,” Ajube recalled. “When Tompolo needed evacuation under life-threatening circumstances, I put my life on the line… At no time were these actions considered betrayal.”
Ajube also referenced his decision to submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during the Buhari administration when several Niger Delta figures were under scrutiny.
“While others chose resistance, I presented myself for investigation because I believe in accountability and had nothing to hide,” he said, adding that his accounts were later unfrozen after due process.
He alleged that he was at one point falsely implicated in pipeline vandalism and declared wanted, describing it as an attempt to draw him back into militancy.
“That plot was clearly designed to lure me back into violence and armed confrontation,” he said. “However, I refused to be drawn into that trap. I chose peace, dialogue, and lawful engagement.”
Ajube added that despite facing blackmail and alleged threats, including from individuals linked to Oporoza, he has remained committed to lawful advocacy.
He also disclosed that he once declined an opportunity to participate in a pipeline surveillance contract under the Presidential Amnesty Programme, insisting on inclusivity and fairness in the process.
“I refused to participate because Tompolo’s issues with the Federal Government had not been resolved, and I believed he and others should be included,” he said.
Ajube maintained that decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contracts would strengthen governance, improve security outcomes, and promote peace across the Niger Delta.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to Tompolo, stating that his advocacy is rooted in shared ideals and not opposition.
“For the avoidance of doubt, my commitment to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo remains firm and demonstrable. He remains my leader,” Ajube said. “Should circumstances ever require decisive intervention for his safety or stability, I am one of the first persons he will call upon without hesitation.”
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