Former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has broken his silence on the political crisis rocking Rivers State, assuring that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara will soon return to office.
Speaking during his 54th birthday celebration at the Aziza Temple in Gbaramatu Kingdom on Saturday, Tompolo revealed that dialogue is currently ongoing between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Fubara to resolve their differences.
“People say I betrayed the Ijaw nation for not speaking about the removal of Governor Fubara. But I cannot betray the Ijaw people. I have spent my entire life fighting for them,” Tompolo said firmly, addressing a gathering of traditional leaders, youth groups, and political associates.
The Egbesu Chief Priest reassured both the Rivers people and the broader Ijaw nation of his unwavering commitment, stating: “I have sat on the throne of my father, and all that is lost will be restored. The Ijaw people will never be conquered. If we choose to go to war, even the heavens will support us. I have never fought and lost a battle.”
Tompolo’s remarks come nearly a month after the federal government declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following heightened political tensions and the controversial suspension of Governor Fubara.
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While acknowledging his close relationship with Wike, Tompolo cautioned Ijaw youths against reacting emotionally to the Minister’s inflammatory comments about the Ijaw nation.
“We are beyond responding to that kind of talk. The Ijaw nation has grown past that level,” he said. “Yes, I know Wike personally, and it is true the Ijaw people contributed to his rise as Governor of Rivers State. But that should not divide us.”
He further stated the importance of peace and reconciliation: “Dialogue is already ongoing between Wike and Fubara. I assure you, Fubara will return. Let us not destroy what we have built as a people.”
Tompolo also used the occasion to clarify his stance on the controversial INEC ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency.
He dismissed allegations that his silence indicated betrayal, stating that the facts simply support the Ijaw case.
“Omadino in Gbaramatu is 40 years older than all Itsekiri communities. If you add up all Itsekiri towns, they still do not match the population of Okerenkoko. INEC only revealed the truth,” he said. “We are one people — the Olu of Warri is a maternal son of Gbaramatu.”
He dismissed any narrative of animosity between Ijaws and Itsekiris, calling instead for unity and mutual respect.
Tompolo also declared his support for President Bola Tinubu, calling on the Ijaw nation to give the president a chance to lead.
“Let us continue to support President Tinubu. He is not a bad person, and he will bring good things to the Ijaw Nation,” he stated.
In a stern warning to those he described as agents of division within the Ijaw community, particularly in Bayelsa State, Tompolo urged unity.
“Bayelsa is our home. Anyone who tries to destabilize Bayelsa will meet fierce resistance. I may not always agree with Governor Diri, but we are both Ijaws. The time for internal strife is over. We must love and protect each other.”
