…. Says Tompolo remains his leader
One of Niger Delta’s foremost ex-militant leaders, Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube, has shed more light on the ongoing agitation for decentralisation of oil pipeline surveillance contract in the region.
Ajube, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Gallery Security Services Limited and popularly known as Shoot-at-Sight during the militancy era in the Niger Delta, recently held a meeting with his former colleagues in the struggle, King Ateke Tom, Victor Ben (Boyloaf) and others, in Rivers State, during which they called on the Federal Government to review and decentralise the pipeline surveillance contract in accordance with provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Ajube defended his relationship with another former militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo.
He faulted allegations that his agitation amounted to a betrayal of Tompolo, whom he described as his leader.
Ajube contended that such allegation was a misrepresentation and misunderstanding of the issues.
According to him, the advocacy of the former militant leaders was based on justice and fairness and had nothing to do with nullifying the existing Federal Government contract with Tantita or even Tompolo.
He said: “My relationship with Tompolo cannot be reduced to blind allegiance at the expense of the very ideals we all fought for. I did not participate in the Ijaw-Itsekiri crisis (in Warri, Delta State) because my community was attacked. I stood up for the broader Ijaw cause such as economic emancipation and justice for our people.
“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. 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.
“During the most critical moments of that struggle, when Camp 5 (in Oporoza) was destroyed and many fled, I did not run. When Tompolo needed evacuation under life-threatening circumstances, I put my life on the line, navigated those dangerous waters, and ensured his safety. At no time were these actions considered betrayal. I acted out of conscience then, and I still do today.
“Fast forward to 2015, when the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari came into power and many Niger Delta leaders came under investigation by the EFCC. While others chose resistance, I presented myself for investigation because I believe in accountability and had nothing to hide. My bank accounts, frozen for months, were eventually unfrozen.
“Around that same period, I was deliberately framed for alleged pipeline vandalism and subsequently declared wanted by government security agencies. That plot was clearly designed to lure me back into violence and armed confrontation. However, I refused to be drawn into that trap. Instead, I chose the path of peace, dialogue, and lawful engagement, despite the risks to my personal safety and reputation.”
He, however, stated that despite all these, he suffered blackmail from persons linked to Oporoza as well as various attempts on his life.
He equally recalled how he declined an earlier pipeline surveillance contract offer through the Presidential Amnesty Programme at a time Tompolo still had issues with the Federal Government.
“A high-level meeting convened by the then National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd), brought together key stakeholders, including myself, Boyloaf, and the Amnesty leadership under Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd), to discuss pipeline surveillance through the Amnesty Programme. 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.
“That decision shocked many present at the meeting. I did not reject the opportunity because I lacked capacity but because I believe in equity and fairness.”
Ajube defended the call for decentralisation of the surveillance contract, saying it is not about personal gain or competition.
“It is about territorial control, security stability, equitable economic distribution, and preventing the dangerous concentration of power. When a few individuals control both economic resources and security structures across the region, it creates a serious risk. Such concentration can be weaponised, can suppress dissent, and can destabilise the Niger Delta.
“Decentralisation promotes local accountability, broader participation, and long-term peace. This is not betrayal. Rather, it is foresight.
“For the avoidance of doubt, my commitment to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo remains firm and demonstrable. He remains my leader. Should circumstances ever require decisive intervention for his safety or stability, I am one of the first persons he will call upon without hesitation.”
