By CHIEF Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo has called for peace, dialogue, and reconciliation across the Niger Delta, particularly in the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State and the longstanding ethnic disputes in Delta State.
He was addressing the Ijaw nation on the occasion of his 54th birthday at Aziza Temple as regards the ongoing Rivers State crisis as well as the fallout of the Warri Federal Constituency delineation in Delta State.
Tompolo making the address
In a passionate address delivered to community stakeholders and traditional rulers in the presence of the revered Father Igologolo Aziza Deity, the Ijaw leader expressed confidence that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara would remain in office despite recent political challenges, calling for reconciliation between Fubara and his political godfather, former Governor Nyesom Wike.
“Our son in Rivers State will come back to sit on the throne,” he declared. “Wike is my friend. This is a father and son relationship. We will talk to Wike, we will bring him and Fubara back together.”
The chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL) also addressed the sensitive issue of ward delineation and population distribution in Delta State, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the demographic strength of the Ijaw people in comparison to the Itsekiri nation.
“INEC knows we are more than the Itsekiris. If Egbema people have 40 wards, the Itsekiris should have five.
“If Gbaramatu people have five, Itsekiri people are supposed to have four, population-wise,” he asserted.
Emphasising the age and cultural depth of Gbaramatu, the leader said, “Gbaramatu is older than the Itsekiri Nation, so how can you be fighting a town that is older than you?
“But we are not going to fight the Itsekiri Nation. With what is on ground, we will sit down to talk with the Itsekiris.”
He extended an olive branch to the Olu of Warri, urging wisdom and understanding in his leadership.
“This message is to the King of Itsekiris: use wisdom, good knowledge, and understanding to live with good neighbours. Gbaramatu is his grandmother’s place.
“We have his DNA. Let him not plan any evil against Gbaramatu. When we are talking, let us always understand ourselves.”
Turning his appeal to President Bola Tinubu, the Ijaw leader asked the President to intervene in the Rivers State crisis.
“We are pleading with our President: bring Fubara back. Wike, please take things easy, forgive and let go. I will not like my son to rebel against me, so I will not like Fubara to rebel against you.”
He dismissed political saboteurs, vowing resilience in the face of opposition. “Those that are betraying me to you, I am not afraid of them. Any fight I go, I become victorious.”
In a unifying tone, the leader reaffirmed the Ijaw nation’s support for President Tinubu. “Every Ijaw man, we are in support of Tinubu for now.”
He also used the opportunity to address criminal elements within the Ijaw region. “To those that are still carrying guns in Ijaw nation, I appeal to you — whatever money that is given to you, don’t kill any Ijaw person. Don’t spoil any Ijaw man’s job. The Ijaws only fight wars of truth and justice. We only fight when we are oppressed.”
Finally, he urged Ijaws to maintain peace with their neighbours: “I appeal to the Ijaws, let’s not oppress our neighbours — the Itsekiris and Urhobos.”
The statement is seen as a significant intervention aimed at calming tensions, fostering unity, and promoting peaceful coexistence in a region historically marked by ethnic rivalry and political instability.
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