Niger Delta leader and Chairman of Tantita Security Services, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has broken his silence on the political crisis rocking Rivers State, firmly stating that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara “will return as governor.”
Speaking during his 54th birthday celebration held at the Aziza Temple in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Tompolo reassured the Ijaw nation and Rivers people of ongoing efforts to resolve tensions between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
“I assure you that Governor Fubara will return back as governor,” Tompolo said. “We are already discussing. Both he and Wike are like father and son.”
He addressed accusations from within the Ijaw community that he had remained silent amid Fubara’s suspension. “Because I have not spoken, they say I have betrayed the Ijaw nation, but I cannot betray the Ijaw nation. I have spent all my life fighting for Ijaw.”
While acknowledging his personal friendship with Wike, Tompolo reminded critics that Ijaw people were crucial in Wike’s emergence as Rivers governor. “We also supported Wike. And just like I will not accept rebellion from my son, I will also not cause more problems.”
“Wike is angry, but he has to bring his temper down for the good of all,” he added.
On the contentious issue of INEC’s ward delineation in the Warri Federal Constituency, Tompolo urged peaceful coexistence between the Ijaws and Itsekiris, stating, “We and the Itsekiris are not at war. They know the truth… If you put all the Itsekiri towns together, they are not close to the population in Okerenkoko. So, INEC only revealed the truth.”
He also highlighted familial and cultural ties between the two ethnic groups, pointing out, “The Olu of Warri is a maternal son of Gbaramatu. So you see, we are one people. Would you fight your own people?”
Issuing a stern warning over Bayelsa State, Tompolo said, “Bayelsa is the home of all Ijaws. If you try Bayelsa, you will die. Governor Diri and I may differ in opinion, but we are Ijaws.”
He concluded with a call for unity and peace within the Ijaw nation: “Those who are still carrying guns against their fellow Ijaws, it’s time to love ourselves.”
Tompolo’s remarks come as political tensions in Rivers State continue to attract national attention, with many looking to Niger Delta leaders to help restore peace and stability.