Babatunji Wusu –
-
Tompolo expresses confidence that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara will remain in office despite current political challenges.
-
He calls for peace, dialogue, and reconciliation between Fubara and his political godfather, former Governor Nyesom Wike.
-
Tompolo urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to consider the demographic strength of the Ijaw people in Delta State.
-
He extends an olive branch to the Olu of Warri, calling for understanding and wisdom in resolving ethnic disputes.
-
Tompolo appeals to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the Rivers State crisis and to restore peace.
-
The Ijaw leader calls for an end to criminal activities in the region and advocates for unity among ethnic groups.
Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, has expressed his unwavering belief that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, will weather the current political challenges and remain in office. Speaking to the Ijaw nation on his 54th birthday at Aziza Temple, Tompolo addressed the political unrest in Rivers State and the aftermath of the Warri Federal Constituency delineation in Delta State, urging for peace and dialogue across the Niger Delta.
In a passionate speech delivered in the presence of community stakeholders and traditional rulers, including the revered Father Igologolo Aziza Deity, Tompolo called for reconciliation between Governor Fubara and his political mentor, former Governor Nyesom Wike. “Our son in Rivers State will come back to sit on the throne,” Tompolo declared confidently, emphasizing that he would work towards mending the relationship between Fubara and Wike, describing it as a father-and-son dynamic.
The chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL) also touched upon the issue of ward delineation and population distribution in Delta State. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the demographic strength of the Ijaw people, highlighting that the Ijaw population surpasses that of the Itsekiri nation. He suggested that the number of wards in different communities should reflect their population, with specific mention of the Egbema and Gbaramatu people.
Tompolo, emphasizing the historical and cultural depth of Gbaramatu, stressed, “Gbaramatu is older than the Itsekiri Nation, so how can you be fighting a town that is older than you?” While advocating for a peaceful resolution, he affirmed that dialogue, not conflict, would be the path forward with the Itsekiri nation. He extended an olive branch to the Olu of Warri, urging the king to use wisdom and understanding in his leadership, acknowledging the shared history and familial ties between the Gbaramatu and Itsekiri people.
Turning his attention to President Bola Tinubu, Tompolo appealed for the President’s intervention in resolving the political crisis in Rivers State. He pleaded, “Bring Fubara back. Wike, please take things easy, forgive and let go.” Tompolo urged both leaders to reconcile, stressing the importance of unity and mutual respect.
In a defiant tone, Tompolo dismissed political saboteurs, expressing confidence in overcoming opposition. “Any fight I go to, I become victorious,” he stated, reinforcing his resolve to continue working for the betterment of the region.
The Ijaw leader also took the opportunity to address criminal elements within the Ijaw region. He urged those engaged in violent activities to refrain from harming fellow Ijaw people, emphasizing that the Ijaw people only fight wars of truth and justice, not for personal gain. “We only fight when we are oppressed,” he stated.
Finally, Tompolo appealed for peaceful coexistence between the Ijaw and their neighboring ethnic groups, including the Itsekiri and Urhobo people. “Let’s not oppress our neighbors,” he urged, calling for unity and understanding in a region historically marked by ethnic tensions.
Tompolo’s statement is seen as a significant effort to calm tensions, foster unity, and encourage peaceful coexistence in the Niger Delta, a region long affected by political instability and ethnic rivalries.
