By Francis Sadhere
High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, has denied belonging to any new militant group that goes by the name, the Niger Delta Avengers, who claimed responsibility for the damaged Forcados 48-inch Export Pipeline in January this year.
According to a press statement made available to our Correspondent in Warri and signed by Tompolo’s media adviser and consultant, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, Tompolo does not have any links with the new militant group.
The statement reads; “The attention of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, the Ibe-ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation, has been drawn to security reports, linking him to a new militant group, the Niger Delta avengers, who claims responsibility for the damaged Forcados 48-Inch Export Pipeline some time ago.
“It is imperative to state unequivocally that Tompolo does not have a link with this new militant group.
“He is not part of the group. It is very unfortunate that Tompolo is still being accused of pipeline vandalism despite several press releases he has made, denying his involvement in the renewed hostility in the Niger Delta region.
“Since the declaration of the Presidential amnesty programme by late President Yar’Adua in 2009 which he wholeheartedly embraced and accepted he has sworn not to be part of arm struggle either overtly or covertly.
“Most Nigerians, if not all, are aware of the role Tompolo played in save guarding crude oil and gas facilities during the last administration, and he is still doing that for the love of country, humanity and out of patriotism.
“Tompolo is very happy with his achievements through non-violence advocacy since the enthronement of the 2009 Presidential amnesty for the Niger Delta region, particularly, in the coastal areas. For instance, the establishment of the first maritime university and a dock/ship building yard and other good things which space and time will not permit us to mention.
“Therefore it is unreasonable and unimaginable to associate Tompolo with any person(s) or group involved in pipeline vandalism.
“It is very important to inform Mr President and the security agencies in the country that, some members of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, particularly from Bayelsa and Delta States are not happy with him because they have not got anything from him after almost a year since he assumed office by way of appointments and contracts, therefore some of them are involved in nefarious activities in the oil and gas sector so as to be engaged in pipeline surveillance.
“We are aware of how such persons are chasing the Minister of Petroleum for State, Dr Ibe Kachukwu around. Tompolo has said on many occasions that he will not resort to violence because of his case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as his legal team is working towards the resolving the issue.
“It is his prayer to God Almighty to see him through in this trying times.Thanks and God bless.”
