Former MEND leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, has finally spoken out nearly a month after a state of emergency was declared in Rivers State.
During his 54th birthday celebration at the Aziza Temple in Gbaramatu Kingdom, he expressed strong support for the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, assuring the public that Fubara would soon return to office.
Tompolo addressed the criticism he faced for staying silent on the crisis, saying he had not betrayed the Ijaw people and had dedicated his life to fighting for their cause.
He admitted his friendship with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, but urged the Ijaw people to look beyond Wike’s recent comments that many found offensive.
According to him, the Ijaw nation had matured and should not be dragged into unnecessary conflicts.
He revealed that talks were ongoing between Wike and Fubara to resolve their dispute, and he was confident things would soon be set right.
Tompolo, speaking with conviction, said the Ijaw people would never be conquered and hinted that he was ready to fight if necessary, claiming he had never lost a battle.
On the national front, he encouraged support for President Bola Tinubu, saying the president had good intentions for the Ijaw people.
He also addressed the ongoing debate over INEC’s ward delineation in Warri, insisting that the Ijaws and Itsekiris are not enemies and should not be divided.
He backed his claims with historical and population data, stressing unity and shared heritage between the two groups.
Tompolo ended his speech with a strong warning against any attempts to destabilize Bayelsa State, saying such efforts would be fiercely resisted.
While he acknowledged his differences with Governor Diri of Bayelsa, he emphasised the need for unity and mutual protection among the Ijaw people.
