Prominent Niger Delta figure and former MEND leader, Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo, has addressed the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State.
He assured that suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara will reclaim his mandate.
Speaking at his 54th birthday celebration held at the revered Aziza Temple in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Tompolo used the occasion to respond to growing criticisms over his silence on the crisis that led to Fubara’s suspension following the state of emergency.
“I have not abandoned the Ijaw people,” he said before a gathering of traditional leaders, supporters, and activists.
“My silence was not weakness or betrayal. I have always stood for the Ijaw cause, and I will continue to do so.”
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Tompolo acknowledged the public outcry within the Ijaw community and clarified that efforts were underway behind the scenes to mediate between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Fubara.
“There are ongoing talks to resolve this situation. Fubara will return to his rightful seat. No matter the delay, justice will prevail,” he stated.
He also addressed Wike’s recent disparaging comments about the Ijaw nation, calling on Ijaw people to remain focused and rise above the provocations.
“Wike may have said things we didn’t like, but we must respond with maturity. The Ijaw struggle is not about exchanging insults—it’s about preserving our dignity and unity,” Tompolo remarked.
Turning to the recent controversy surrounding INEC’s ward delineation report in Warri Federal Constituency, Tompolo defended the Ijaw position, stating that demographic realities favoured their claims.
“Gbaramatu predates many of the newer settlements. Okerenkoko alone has a population that rivals all Itsekiri towns combined. These are not sentiments — they are facts,” he said.
However, he was quick to stress that this did not mean animosity between the Ijaw and Itsekiri communities.
“We are historically connected. The Olu of Warri even has maternal ties to Gbaramatu. Let’s stop letting politics divide us.”
Tompolo concluded with a firm message to internal detractors within the Ijaw fold.
“Bayelsa belongs to all Ijaw people. No one will be allowed to destabilise it. Governor Diri and I may disagree at times, but we share a common heritage. The days of in-fighting must end. Unity is our strength.”
He also expressed cautious optimism in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
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“President Tinubu is not our enemy. Let’s give him time — he may bring benefits to the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation. But we will hold him accountable as we always have.”
Tompolo’s statements come amid heightened political tensions and rising calls for stability and justice in the Niger Delta.
