𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗴𝗯𝗮 𝗢𝗳 𝗜𝗷𝗮𝘄 𝗚𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗻 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗼, 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗳 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘,

𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐚, 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚.

In a publication made by News Express Online 24/7, the media outlet reported that the Agadagba of Ijaw Gbanraun Kingdom, HRM Captain Frank F.G. Okiakpe JP, Egbesuwei Gbanraun X, has declared strong support for the renewal of the pipeline surveillance contract being handled by Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

The royal father made his position known during a press conference held at his palace on Sunday, May 3, 2026, where he appealed to President and the Federal Government not to listen to agitators and groups demanding the decentralization of the pipeline surveillance contract in the Niger Delta region.

According to the monarch, Tompolo has made significant contributions toward maintaining peace, stability, and security in the Niger Delta through effective pipeline surveillance activities that have helped reduce crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering across the region.

The Agadagba stated that the existing surveillance structure has brought relative peace to the Niger Delta and should be sustained in the interest of national economic growth, oil infrastructure protection, and regional stability.

Speaking during the briefing, the monarch described Tompolo as a dependable leader who has remained committed to the development and security of the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta at large.

He said, “Mr. President, High Chief (Dr.) Oweizide Ekpemupolo, the Ibe-ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation, popularly known as Tompolo, is the only person who can be trusted with this surveillance responsibility. He is reliable and committed.”

The traditional ruler further noted that Tompolo’s efforts have positively impacted the region, adding that peace currently being enjoyed in the Niger Delta is largely connected to the effectiveness of the surveillance operations under his leadership.

“He has done so well for the Ijaw Nation,” the monarch stated.

“There is peace in the Niger Delta today because of Tompolo,” he added.

Reaffirming his position as a first-class traditional ruler in the Niger Delta region, the Agadagba declared his continued support for the renewal of the surveillance contract, stressing that continuity would help preserve peace and stability in oil-producing communities.

The press conference attracted several Ijaw leaders, palace chiefs, stakeholders, and community representatives, who gathered to express solidarity with the monarch’s position on the issue.

Observers at the event described the gathering as peaceful and significant, noting that it reflects ongoing conversations surrounding security, oil facility protection, and sustainable peace in the Niger Delta region.

The Agadagba also reiterated that the Ijaw Gbanraun Kingdom remains committed to peace, unity, and development, while calling for the preservation of the current surveillance arrangement in the overall interest of the Niger Delta and Nigeria’s economy.