Niger-Delta Group condemns Tompolo’s alleged acquisition of seven battleships

A group under the aegis of Warri Study Group (WSG) has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to repeal a Federal Government contract awarded to Global West Vessel Service to secure Nigerian coastline.

The group was reacting to media reports that the Global West Vessel Service, a private company believed to be controlled by one-time militant leader, Chief Ekpemupolo, a.k.a Tompolo, has added seven decommissioned Norwegian battleships to its weaponry.

In a statement signed by Edward Ekpoko, Chairman, and Tony Ede, Secretary described the development as a threat to national security, adding that Nigeria was sitting on a keg of gun powder.

The statement said, “Tompolo was a known militant granted amnesty by the Yar’ Adua administration and controls the private company engaged by NIMASA to oversee the security of the Nigerian coastline during Jonathan’s administration.

“President Jonathan, Tompolo and the DG of NIMASA are all of Ijaw extraction. We see a script being acted out. Nigeria is the only country where an individual is awarded contract to oversee the security of the coastline of a nation with powers to import warships and sophisticated arms.

“The question that begs for answer is this: What is the role of the Nigerian Navy in the security of the Nigerian coastline? Is the Ministry of Defence aware of all these arms deals?”

“Are these warships and arm deals to fight piracy and other criminal activities on our coastline or to intimidate other ethnic nationalities or cause destabilization as in the North East?”, the WSG further queried.

It called on Jonathan to intervene by withdrawing the contract awarded by NIMASA, warning, “In the unfortunate event of weapons being turned against other ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta, those involved will be held responsible for crime against humanity by the international community even if Nigerian government fails to act”. .

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