The Progressive Youth of Arogbo Kingdom have expressed disbelief over claims made by Arogbo Ijaw Ibe Youth Council (AIIYC) discrediting the legitimacy of Tantita Security Services in Ondo State.
In a strong rebuttal, they highlighted the historical trajectory of Tantita’s operations and its role in curbing oil theft in the Niger Delta.
According to the Progressive Youth, the Tantita Security Service, led by High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), has been instrumental in recruiting over 17,000 Niger Delta youths, including those from Arogbo Kingdom.
The youth organization questioned the motive behind AIIYC’s allegations and urged Arogbo Kingdom to remain vigilant against potential blackmail.
The President of the Progressive Youth, Towei Peretei, and General Secretary Ezekiel Ugowonni, emphasized the legitimacy of Tantita’s operations and its positive impact on Arogbo Kingdom.
They revealed that Senior High Chief Idowu Asonja heads the Tantita Security Service in Ondo State and has actively incorporated Arogbo Kingdom’s sons and daughters into the security outfit.
The youth leaders called on Amapere community to understand Tantita’s recent operation as a call to service assigned by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
They cautioned against confrontations with the government and pray for peace in the community.
The Progressive Youth strongly refuted AIIYC’s call on Nigerian security agencies to investigate the Tantita commandant, deeming it baseless and futile.
They requested security agencies to disregard AIIYC’s claims, citing the organization’s lack of support and structure among the youth in Arogbo Kingdom.
Highlighting the constitutional right to associate, the Progressive Youth emphasized that Arogbo Kingdom youths are supporters of Tantita Security and discouraged any form of violence against the security outfit.
In response to comparisons between Tantita’s operations and historical communal crises, the youth leaders affirmed High Chief Government Ekpemupolo’s commitment to peace and call on the Federal Government and Ondo State Government to ignore further statements from AIIYC.
The Progressive Youth urged Arogbo Ijaw Ibe Youth Council to cease presenting themselves as representatives of Arogbo Kingdom’s youth, asserting that the only recognized body is the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).
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