By Our Correspondent
THE Okerenkoko Federated Communities of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Council Area of Delta State has denied and rubbished media reports credited to in the national media and online media as calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to investigate High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a Tompolo over sale of community land.
In a statement signed by Chief James Tangbowei, Chairman, Mr. Monday Meyefa, Vice Chairman, Comrade Ernest Bebenimibo, Secretary, Joel Ekpebide, P.R.O the community insisted that they neither spoke nor mandated anyone to speak for them.
The statement which read, “Our attention has been drawn to various newspapers reports, the Paradigm, Vanguard etc with caption, ‘N13b Varsity land: Okerenkoko leaders back EFCC to probe Tompolo’ with a rider, ‘We got only N360 for the land’ which was credited to Michael Johnny.
“We make bold to say that the author had no backing of leadership of the community, neither was he mandated to speak for the community. He can speak for himself as an individual but not for the community.
“Again, it is very unfortunate that the author does not know the crux of Tompolo’s invitation by EFCC as it has nothing to do with the community land acquisition for the permanent site of the University. The acquisition of the permanent site was concluded amicably and even the author got his fare share from the sale.
“To educate the author and the general public, Tompolo’s invitation has nothing to do with sale of community land but the sale of his vastly developed personal property at Kurutie community which he had built for his Diving school which was legally acquired by the Federal Government as a take-off campus of the school.
“The property in question from our enquiry was valued at N15billion but was sold for N13billion after bargains and was perfected and signed by authorities of the federal government. So those who have personal vendetta and scores to settle with the High Chief should distance the community name in such frolic.
“Because of the misinformation that is being peddled, our community account has also been frozen, we wonder why the EFCC should embark on an unnecessary war against us. this surely is the handiwork of our enemies but we shall remain peaceful.
“Tompolo is our hero and an illustrious son in whom we are proud. His battle for emancipation of the Ijaw nation against the marginalization by the federal is well known. We warn his persecutors should tread with caution and not drag the name of the community and kingdom into mud.”
