• LG boss flays calls for his arrest
From Ben Dunno, Warri and From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Former militant warlord, Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), has disowned alleged threats issued online by some militants to carry out more attacks on major oil installations in the region until the Federal Government dropped criminal charges against him by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
Tompolo, in a statement issued by Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, his media consultant, in Warri, yesterday, said there was never a time he was involved in the resurgence of bombing of the nation’s critical assets across the region or sent anyone to carry out such criminal act on his behalf.
He described the said online report as being instigated by some of his perceived political enemies, who, he claimed, were desperately plotting ways to bring his good name into disrepute to gain cheap popularity in the current administration.
Specifically, he mentioned one Micheal (other name withheld), who he said would soon be sued by his lawyers over an alleged malicious damage of his name during a national interview he granted a television station recently.
He said the online publication came two days after Michael had accused Tompolo on a television programme of being behind the bombing of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region.
Tompolo, therefore, accused Michael of being behind the bombings in the Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Bello Bina has described as ‘satanic’, calls by some politicians in Delta State for the arrest and killing of Tompolo
He said Bina calls for Tompolo’s head over the renewed militancy in the region was misplaced and a clear attempt to use political power to settle scores.
“I am speaking with pain over the issue that border on the Ijaw nation. I am against the activities of the Niger Delta Avengers. But it is satanic and senseless to be calling for the head of Tompolo over the crime of the Avengers. We have observed that the northerners have never come out openly to castigate and condemn the activities of the Boko Haram like we did to the Niger Delta Avengers. Despite the fact that Boko Haram demands are senseless and irresponsible, the northern leaders kept quiet and use it to upstage the last administration. What about the Fulani herdsmen? Their demands and activities have no basis, yet northerners kept quiet.
“For the Biafrans, they are demanding for independence because they claimed they are tired of Nigeria as a nation. It is understandable and can be resolved. And the NDA, though their activities are condemnable, a process of dialogue is ongoing to resolve the issues. Our leaders are trying despite the dwindling allocations due to the activities of the Avengers. We all know the region is bad and it will take time to develop and the oil pipelines being blown is not contributing to the needed process of development. As a council chairman in Bayelsa State, I needed an improved allocation to implement development programmes in the area.
“The problem of Niger Delta cannot be solved by blowing pipelines. And for those calling for Tompolo’s head, the Ijaw nation is bigger than any individuals. If they think because they are favoured by government and they should display betrayal to the people, they should have a rethink. Have you ever seen any Boko Haram mentioning any Hausa politicians? It is wrong. We have to be careful. Life goes beyond Buhari and Jonathan politics.”