Niger Delta figure and leader of the Federal Government’s contracted private pipeline security firm, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo, has finally spoken out about the political unrest in Rivers State.
He assured the public that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, “will regain his position.”
Tompolo shared these thoughts during his 54th birthday celebration held at the Aziza Temple in Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State on Saturday. He also voiced his opinions on the recent report related to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s delineation within the Warri Federal Constituency.
Expressing his concerns, Tompolo mentioned that specific individuals accused him of betraying the Ijaw nation by not addressing Fubara’s suspension.
However, he emphasized his lifelong dedication to the Ijaw cause, asserting, “I cannot betray the Ijaw nation for which I have fought all my life.”
Acknowledging his long-standing friendship with Eqnzuw Mltn, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Tompolo indicated that the Ijaw people were instrumental in Wike’s rise to power as governor of Rivers State.
He urged disillusioned Ijaw individuals not to react to Wike’s recent comments, which many interpreted as disrespectful towards the Ijaw nation.
“Ijaw is no longer at that level,” he proclaimed.
Tompolo guaranteed the people of Rivers State and the Ijaw nation that “Governor Sim Fubara will soon reclaim his position as Governor.”
“Efforts are ongoing to bridge the divide between Wike and Sim Fubara,” he added. Further expressing, he stated: “I have taken my father’s place, and everything that has been lost will shine once again. The Ijaws will never be oppressed. If the Ijaws decide to take up arms, the heavens will be with us. I have never fought a battle and been defeated.”
Also Read: Alleged Plans To Extend Emergency Rule In Rivers Exposed By Fubara’s Commissioner
He urged the Ijaws to remain supportive of President Bola Tinubu, saying, “Let’s keep backing President Tinubu. He will provide us with all that we aspire to in the Ijaw nation. He is not a bad person.”
Regarding the sensitive issue of ward delineation, Tompolo emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence between the Ijaws and Itsekiris:
“We and the Itsekiris are not enemies. They understand the truth. The Gbaramatu town of Omadino is 40 years older than all Itsekiri communities. So why would you confront someone older than you? They are aware that even if you combine all the Itsekiri towns, their population does not approach that of Okerenkoko. Thus, INEC has merely revealed the truth.
For those seeking conflict, the Olu of Warri is a maternal son of Gbaramatu. Therefore, you can see that we are one community. Would you wage war against your people?” he questioned.
Concerning the situation in Rivers State, Tompolo reaffirmed his commitment to peace and unity, stating, “Because I have chosen to remain silent, some accuse me of betraying the Ijaw nation, but I cannot betray the Ijaw nation. I have committed my entire life to fighting for the Ijaw. However, we have transcended the need to respond to Wike’s comments. We are no longer at that level.
“I promise you that Governor Fubara will return as governor. Discussions are already in progress. Both he and Wike have a father-son relationship. Before he became governor, numerous Ijaws protested against him, yet Wike was crucial to his rise, just as we supported Wike as well.
“And just as I will not tolerate rebellion from my son, I will not provoke further issues. Wike may be upset, but he must temper his anger for the sake of everyone. We will engage in dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues. Once again, Fubara will assume his rightful place.”
