A prominent Niger Delta leader, Chief Simeon Bebenimibo, has challenged Chief Pius Wariyai, popularly known as "General" Pius Wariyai, to substantiate his allegations against the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), and the company's Vice Chairman, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha, instead of embarking on what he described as "a campaign of blackmail and media propaganda".

Chief Bebenimibo was reacting to Wariyai's recent claims that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Maton Engineering Limited owed him and his operatives over ₦2 billion for pipeline surveillance services.

According to Chief Bebenimibo, allegations of such magnitude cannot be sustained by mere media interviews and emotional narratives but must be supported with verifiable evidence.

"If Chief Pius Wariyai truly has a genuine claim of over ₦2 billion, the honourable thing to do is to present documentary evidence showing the existence of such a contractual agreement, the scope of work executed, the terms of payment, invoices submitted, approvals granted, and every other record that validates his claim. Resorting to media blackmail without proof is unacceptable," he stated.

He noted that Tompolo, and Mr. Tonlagha have earned national recognition for their contributions to securing Nigeria's critical oil infrastructure, leading to a remarkable increase in crude oil production and significant reduction in pipeline vandalism, noting that it was therefore unfair for anyone to seek to tarnish their reputation through unsubstantiated allegations.

"The achievements of Tantita Security Services under the leadership of Tompolo and Matthew Tonlagha are visible for all Nigerians to see. Their efforts have received commendation from the Federal Government, security agencies, host communities and stakeholders across the Niger Delta. Such reputations should not be subjected to baseless attacks," he warned.

He stressed that if Wariyai believes he is owed any contractual entitlement, there are lawful and established channels through which such grievances can be resolved, stating that, "Nigeria is governed by laws. There are courts of competent jurisdiction and other dispute resolution mechanisms. If indeed there is any contractual breach, let him seek legal redress instead of mounting a media campaign aimed at discrediting respected Niger Delta leaders."

Chief Bebenimibo further alleged that contrary to Chief Wariyai's claims of victimization, he was previously given an opportunity to serve as a coordinator under the pipeline surveillance arrangement, but his engagement was subsequently terminated after he was allegedly found to have been collecting bribes from operators of illegal crude oil bunkering activities, conduct Chief Bebenimibo said was incompatible with the objectives of the surveillance programme.

"Instead of attempting to blackmail Tompolo and Matthew Tonlagha through the media, Chief Wariyai should first explain to the public the circumstances surrounding the termination of his engagement," Chief Bebenimibo stated.

Chief Bebenimibo also faulted the call for the removal of Tantita Security Services from pipeline surveillance operations in Bayelsa State, describing it as unnecessary and capable of creating avoidable tension in the region, arguing that the pipeline surveillance contract is a Federal Government initiative designed to protect national assets and should not be reduced to ethnic or state-based sentiments.

"The security of Nigeria's oil and gas infrastructure is a national assignment, not an ethnic enterprise. Those entrusted with the responsibility should be judged by their performance, competence and results, not by where they come from."

He further cautioned against attempts to divide ex-agitators and Niger Delta stakeholders through inflammatory remarks capable of undermining the existing peace in the region.

"The Niger Delta has come a long way in promoting peace, stability and economic development. We must not allow personal disagreements or unverified allegations to reopen old wounds or create unnecessary divisions among our people."

Chief Bebenimibo therefore urged Chief Wariyai to immediately publish credible evidence supporting his allegations or refrain from making statements capable of misleading the public and damaging the hard-earned reputation of individuals and organisations.

He called on all Niger Delta leaders to embrace dialogue, mutual respect and lawful means of resolving disputes, while encouraging continued support for initiatives that have contributed significantly to protecting national oil assets and sustaining economic growth.