A Civil Society Group, Niger Delta Security Watch Organization, today called on the Federal Government to withdraw all charges against ex-militant leader, High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo Alias Tompolo in the interest of justice.
President of the organization, Barr. Dickson Bekederemo made the call in a chat with DAILY POST as part of activities marking the 46th birthday bash of Tompolo held at Okuemi hotel in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
While noting that Tompolo is innocent of all the charges leveled against him by the Federal Government with the efforts of some perceived enemies of the Niger Delta, Bekederemo stated that Tompolo fought for the interest of the impoverished and marginalized Niger Delta people.
Bekederemo noted that Tompolo has worked for the security and unity of Nigeria since he embraced and accepted Amnesty with peace. According to him, “he ensured that pipelines were protected. He assured Hausa people that nobody will attack them should Jonathan lose election and it was so.
Bekederemo stated that the Federal Government needs Tompolo more than he needs the government.
“I want to appeal, whatever charges the Federal Government has filed against Tompolo, in the interest of justice should be withdrawn.”
President of the Ijaw People Development Initiative, IPDI, Comrade Austin Ozobo also stated that they were celebrating Tompolo because he had attracted and brought development to the Niger Delta Region.
Ozobo said,“ Tompolo is worth celebrating because he is a worthy leader. I am happy he is being celebrated. We must not wait for the people outside to come and celebrate him for us. He has brought development to the whole of the Niger Delta.”
Meanehile, renowned academician and former Chairman of the Editorial Board of the Guardian Newspaper, Prof. Gordini .G. Darah called on the various ethnic groups in the Niger Delta to shun their differences and unite so that the blessings of the land which had eluded them will come to them.
Prof. Darah made the call at the 46th birthday/inaugural lecture held in honour of Ex-militant leader, Tompolo today in Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State.
While noting that ethnic divisions were the creations of the colonial masters , Prof. Darah stated that all Niger Delta Ethnic groups evolved from one ancestral lineage, pointing out that the languages were initially not there.
Comments