“The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone condemns in strong terms allegations made against High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo and Dr Dennis Otuaro by the Itsekiri Progress Group (IPG) and other faceless groups within the Itsekiri ethnic nationality.

“Ordinarily, Council would not react to mischievous allegations such as the ones raised by these elements who are frustrated by the outcome of the recent delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, but doing so could allow falsehood to appear as truth.

“To set the records straight, High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro are sons and distinguished leaders of Ijaw nation who have contributed immensely to the progress of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his first two years in office.

“It is evidently clear that the efforts of Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has caused the country to attain stable daily oil production volumes. Not only is Nigeria’s daily oil output approaching the two million barrels mark, Tantita is leading the charge for environmental cleaningness in the creeks in the face of a heavy degradation occasoned by oil bunkering activities in the past.

“Also, the company has overseen the employment of thousands of youths in the Niger Delta Region, with a huge chunk of that number taken from the Itsekiri ethnic nationality.

“On the other hand, Dr. Otuaro has reformed the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) from its lost days to an entity of hope and solution to the Niger Delta region, drawing accolades and commendations from the Presidency, NSA and critical stakeholders in the region.

“Council, thus finds it unacceptable that multiple faceless groups under the guise of agitating for a review of the outcome of the delineation exercise would condescend to mischievousness and blackmail against two illustrious sons of the Niger Delta working hard to see that the President succeeds.

“We take full responsibility of the recent Boro Day celebration held in Warri, wherein thousands of Ijaw youths marched across our territories in the city of Warri, in memory of our late Hero, Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro. The event is a yearly ritual for the Ijaw people, and Dr. Otuaro’s appearance at the last outing was at the behest of Council, who beckoned on him to make a guest appearance as a critical stakeholder to the body.

“We therefore find it unreasonable and illogical for both Tompolo and Otuaro to be fingered for a joint statement by the Ijaws and Urhobo’s calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission to speedily implement its recommended outcome from the delineation exercise, and urging the First Lady not to influence the process as she is mother to all.

“May we remind the Itsekiri nation that as First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu is mother to the entire country, and not solely owned by the Itsekiri nation. Hence, every Nigerian is obliged to make demands of her, which the Ijaws and Urhobos illustrated through their statement.

“Finally, The Ijaw Youth Council urges the Olu of Itsekiri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and other leaders to call their youths to order and refrain from beating the drum of war in Warri and environs.

“While protest is a right for every Nigerian, the Itsekiris should take a cue from the Boro Day procession organized by the Ijaw Youth Council Western Zone that was peaceful in every way.

“We also condemn actions of the uncontrollable Itsekiri youths who protested in territories outside their jurisdiction, blocked major roads with tyres, destroyed properties, and attacked peaceful Ijaw people; all actions that could lead to retaliation and a breakdown of law and order.

“Council, therefore, urges President Tinubu to order INEC to implement the delineation outcome without any further delays to avert a looming crisis that may impede the progress and success of his administration.”

Signed:
Comrade Nicholas Igarama
Chairman, IYC Western Zone

Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo Esq
Secretary, IYC Western Zone

Comrade Tare Magbei
Information Officer, IYC Western Zone

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has called on the people of the Niger Delta to reflect on the essence of Easter and show love to one another.

In his Easter message, on Sunday, Otuaro urged stakeholders of the region- men, women, youths and all ex-agitators- to imbibe the spirit of peace, unity, and sacrifice embodied by the Lord Jesus Christ.

He noted that the Easter season was a period to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as God’s precious gift of peace to the world and reconciliation to Himself.

Otuaro urged the people of the region to use the season to deeply reflect on the virtues of the Lord and walk in them to ensure peace, stability and harmony in the Niger Delta.

He stressed that Easter called for a re-commitment to the cherished values of peace, forgiveness, kindness and service.

The PAP boss expressed the unwavering commitment of his leadership to the implementation of the programme’s mandate for sustainable peace, security, stability and development of the region.

He also enjoined stakeholders of the Niger Delta to continue to support President Bola Tinubu and his administration’s noble reforms aimed at achieving economic recovery and shared prosperity for all.

Otuaro added, “I will like to heartily greet all stakeholders of the Niger Delta on this joyous occasion of the commemoration of Easter. It is a time to reflect on its essence and the values of love, peace, forgiveness and sacrifice exemplified by the Lord Jesus Christ.

“I urge all youths, ex-agitators, men, and women to imbibe the virtues embedded in Jesus Christ and the significance of His death and resurrection as God’s perfect gift for redemption and reconciliation of mankind.

“Let us love one another, promote unity and peace in the interest of the Niger Delta. I felicitate all stakeholders and wish you a Happy Easter celebration.”

Signed:
Mr Igoniko Oduma,
Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme.

20/04/2025

12/04/2025

Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has extended warm congratulations to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the occasion of his 54th birth anniversary.

The apex Ijaw media council said as the chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Tompolo has made significant contributions to boost oil output and the security sector in Nigeria. The forum celebrated his achievements and impact, wishing him continued success and prosperity in the years to come.

The group said, “Under Tompolo’s leadership, Tantita Security Services has provided employment opportunities for many youths in the Niger Delta region, contributing to the reduction of youth restiveness and promoting economic growth in the country. In addition, the company has also been a key player in ensuring the safety and security of oil installations and pipelines, protecting the nation’s resources and sources of revenue”.

Furthermore, the IPF commends Tompolo for his commitment to peace and development in the Niger Delta region. He has played a vital role in the amnesty program, which has successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated thousands of ex-agitators into society.

They emphasised, “This has significantly contributed to the restoration of peace and stability in the region, making it conducive for business and investment.
Tompolo’s philanthropic efforts also deserve recognition as he has consistently given back to his society through various charitable initiatives. From building schools and hospitals to providing scholarships for students, he has positively impacted the lives of many people in the Niger Delta and beyond.

“As we celebrate Tompolo’s birthday, the IPF strongly urges him to continue his efforts in promoting peace, security, and development in the Niger Delta region. We also appeal to the government to recognize and support the contributions of individuals like Tompolo, who have played a significant role in the development of the region.

“Finally, we join in congratulating Tompolo on this milestone and pray that he continues to be a source of inspiration to many. We wish him good health, happiness, and success in all his endeavors. Happy 54th birthday, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo!”, the statement added.