Dr. Gbasin Cautions Against Sabotage Plots Targeting Tompolo
Says Tantita's Intervention Raises Nigeria’s Oil Output from 600,000 to Over 1.6 Million Barrels Per Day,
By : Egbemavoice
Niger Delta elder statesman and oil industry professional, Pastor (Dr.) Philip Yerimmen Gbasin, has raised the alarm over what he described as a “thickening but ill-advised plot” against High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
In an open letter dated July 4, 2025, addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and made available to The Guardian in Asaba at the weekend, Yerimmen Gbasin, accused unnamed individuals “milling around the corridors of power” of orchestrating a campaign against Tompolo and his security firm, Security Services Nigeria Ltd, (TANTITA) despite their verifiable success in restoring Nigeria’s crude oil output.
Gbasin, a former Executive Director of Projects at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and a senior stakeholder in Chevron Nigeria Ltd, noted that Nigeria’s crude oil production had risen from 600,000 barrels per day to over 1.6 million barrels shortly after TANTITA took charge of pipeline surveillance operations.
He described the improvement as a “magical leap,” crediting Tompolo’s strategic and effective leadership in the field.
He emphasised that no previous contractor in over two decades had made such an impact, despite receiving similar contracts. He warned that any attempt to malign Tompolo was tantamount to sabotaging national interest and economic recovery.
“This is a first-of-its-kind feat that should be celebrated and motivated,” Gbasin wrote. “Anyone anywhere trying to turn the face of the government of Mr. President against such a great economic partner of the Federal Government should be seen as the real economic saboteur unmasked.”
Gbasin’s open letter also revisited Tompolo’s role in maintaining oil production during the height of militancy in the Niger Delta under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration.
He recalled that while many oil companies were forced to declare force majeure due to militant disruptions, Chevron Nigeria Ltd continued production seamlessly, thanks in part to Tompolo’s influential grassroots engagement and conflict de-escalation efforts.
“Tompolo’s passion for the job he is contracted to do is unprecedented, just as the results are immeasurable,” he said, adding that “in some other nations of the world, the likes of Tompolo will be appreciated with a National Honour for his immense contribution towards National Economic Recovery.”
The open letter comes amid efforts by some political actors to revoke or undermine the TANTITA contract, despite its track record.
Tompolo, a former militant leader turned government contractor, has remained a controversial but central figure in Nigeria’s efforts to curb oil theft and protect strategic economic infrastructure in the oil-rich South-South region.
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