Ajube Breaks Silence On Pipeline Contract Debate, Declares Loyalty To Tompolo
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
In the ever-evolving discourse surrounding oil pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta region, a prominent ex-militant leader, Bibopere Ajube, has come forward with a clarifying voice aimed at dispelling growing misconceptions and tensions. Ajube, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Gallery Security Services Limited and popularly known by the moniker “Shoot-at-Sight,” has stated emphatically that the call for a review and decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contracts is rooted in justice, equity, and institutional balance—not a rivalry with Tantita Security Services Limited or its principal, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo.
The debate over pipeline surveillance contracts has generated intense discussions among stakeholders in the Niger Delta, particularly among former militant leaders who were instrumental in the region’s historic agitation for resource justice and environmental equity. However, Ajube insists that the ongoing agitation is being misinterpreted by some observers who believe it represents a direct challenge to Tantita’s operations.
Speaking in a message published by The Sun Online, Ajube clarified that his stance—and that of other ex-militant leaders advocating decentralisation—is guided strictly by principles of fairness, transparency, and adherence to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
According to him, the issue is not about disloyalty to Tompolo or any form of confrontation with Tantita Security Services Limited. Instead, he explained that the objective is to create a system that allows broader participation among stakeholders in the Niger Delta, ensuring that security responsibilities and economic opportunities are distributed in a manner that promotes stability across the region.
Ajube emphasized that his personal relationship with Tompolo remains intact and grounded in mutual respect forged during the height of the Niger Delta struggle.
“My relationship with Tompolo cannot be reduced to blind allegiance at the expense of the very ideals we all fought for,” Ajube stated. “I stood up for the broader Ijaw cause—economic emancipation and justice for our people.”
He further explained that the renewed calls for decentralisation followed a strategic meeting held in Rivers State involving several notable ex-militant leaders, including Ateke Tom and Victor Ben. According to Ajube, the meeting focused on the long-term sustainability of security arrangements in the Niger Delta and the need to avoid excessive concentration of influence within the region.
Ajube warned that allowing a few individuals or entities to control both economic resources and security structures across the Niger Delta could create an unhealthy power imbalance capable of destabilising the fragile peace that has gradually returned to the region since the amnesty programme.
“It is about territorial control, security stability, equitable economic distribution, and preventing the dangerous concentration of power,” he said. “When a few individuals control both economic resources and security structures across the region, it creates a serious risk.”
Reflecting on his personal role during the Niger Delta struggle, Ajube reiterated that his actions over the years have been motivated by principles rather than personal gain or territorial interests.
“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 of where I came from, but because I believed in justice and fairness.”
Ajube also took time to recount moments from the turbulent years of militancy in the Niger Delta, highlighting his unwavering support for Tompolo during difficult periods of the struggle.
According to him, he remained steadfast even when many militants fled after the destruction of Camp 5, which was once regarded as a major stronghold of militant activities in the region.
“When Camp 5 was destroyed and many fled, I did not run,” Ajube said. “When Tompolo needed evacuation under life-threatening circumstances, I put my life on the line.”
The ex-militant leader also revealed that during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, when several Niger Delta leaders were under investigation, he voluntarily presented himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Ajube explained that his decision to cooperate with investigators was driven by his belief in accountability and the rule of law.
“While others chose resistance, I presented myself for investigation because I believe in accountability and had nothing to hide,” he said.
Following the investigation, he disclosed that his financial accounts were eventually cleared and unfrozen after authorities found no wrongdoing.
However, Ajube claimed that he later faced false allegations of pipeline vandalism, which led to him being declared wanted at one point. According to him, the accusation was part of a calculated attempt to push him back into militancy and armed confrontation.
“That plot was clearly designed to lure me back into violence and armed confrontation,” Ajube stated. “But I refused to be drawn into that trap. I chose peace, dialogue, and lawful engagement.”
The former militant commander also recalled that he once declined participation in a pipeline surveillance contract under the Presidential Amnesty Programme because he believed the arrangement should include Tompolo and other key stakeholders whose issues with the Federal Government had not yet been resolved at the time.
“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 explained.
Ajube insisted that the decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contracts would ultimately enhance governance, improve security coordination, and promote lasting peace throughout the Niger Delta region.
He argued that a more inclusive structure would empower communities, strengthen local participation in security operations, and reduce potential tensions among stakeholders competing for influence in the oil-rich region.
Despite the ongoing debate, Ajube reiterated his unwavering respect and loyalty to Tompolo, stressing that the current conversation should not be interpreted as an attack on the revered Niger Delta leader.
“For the avoidance of doubt, my commitment to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo remains firm and demonstrable,” Ajube declared. “He remains my leader.”
He added that if circumstances ever demanded decisive intervention to protect Tompolo’s safety or stability, he would be among the first individuals willing to step forward without hesitation.
As discussions around pipeline surveillance contracts continue to unfold, Ajube’s remarks appear aimed at calming tensions while encouraging stakeholders to focus on justice, inclusivity, and sustainable governance structures in the Niger Delta.
The broader conversation, analysts say, reflects the complex dynamics of the region where security, economic interests, historical struggles, and political influence intersect.
What remains clear, however, is that voices like Ajube’s continue to shape the narrative surrounding the management of oil infrastructure and the future stability of the Niger Delta—one of Nigeria’s most strategically important regions.
Source: NigerDelta Voice / The Sun Online
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