Niger Delta Students on Thursday called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency quash all charges preferred against Ex-militant leader, High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a Tompolo, in the courts.
The students comprising members of the National Association of Gbaramatu Students, NAGS and Law Students Association of Nigerian Students, Delsu Chapter made the call in a peaceful protest in Warri.
The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as, “Tompolo is not guilty”; “Tompolo is a prominent builder of the future of youths in Nigeria”; “EFCC must drop all charges against Tompolo”; “Though politically prosecuted, Tompolo maintains his support for national security.”
NAGS President, Freeborn Abraiye said, “Tompolo is being witch hunted, his efforts in education of students cannot be overemphasised.”
“Tompolo always ensured that youths of the region get scholarships to study. He is a selfless leader, the charges against him should be dropped.”
Delsu LAWSAN Attorney General, Jonathan Obiri noted: “Tompolo has done well. The charges against him are frivolous and of no effect.
“The government is only witch hunting him, they have no issues tangible against him. Tompolo is our saviour in the region. He knows the importance of education and has fought to give it to us.
“The government is doing little in the development of Niger Delta, this was even possible because people like Tompolo came out to challenge the impunity.”
Rachel Briyai, a beneficiary of UK Masters degree sponsored by Tompolo further stated that the government should swallow their pride and quash all the charges against Tompolo considering the efforts he has put in development of the region.
“The charges against Tompolo are frivolous, they should be dropped. He wants development, he should be encouraged by the government to do more.”
Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, Media Consultant to Tompolo who received the protest letters called on the government to heed the calls of the students.
He also said that Tompolo is innocent of the charges, insisting that the issue is purely political witch hunt.
He advised the protesting students against violence and cultism.
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