News
Nigerian Navy Fingered as Tompolo Alleges Sabotage in the Anti Oil Theft Battle
By Favour Bibaikefie
Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), has raised concerns over acts of sabotage hindering efforts to combat crude oil theft in Nigeria.
During a meeting with the national leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Tuesday in Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, Tompolo shared his grievances. The NBA delegation was led by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN).
Tompolo revealed that his staff members were recently attacked while apprehending oil thieves along the creeks of Port Harcourt. He urged the NBA to intervene, emphasizing the economic repercussions if such issues persist.
“The NBA has a duty to play in this present situation because if we are not careful in this country, we will not have money to do any reasonable thing,” he said. “We are going to do our part locally, but you are there at the top. If we arrest today, lawyers will appear on both sides. My appeal is that you need to help us.”
He explained that his commitment to tackling oil theft had provoked resistance and personal threats. “In the course of this surveillance, we have stepped on so many toes of people over there in Lagos and Abuja. After my court cases, I cannot travel anywhere. If I must travel, I have to go with two or three security personnel,” he noted.
The NBA delegation had earlier visited the palace of Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom.
NBA President Afam Osigwe expressed optimism about the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) recent announcement of an increase in oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day. He highlighted the critical role Gbaramatu Kingdom and TSSNL play in curbing oil theft, emphasizing the broader benefits for the nation.
“If the oil production keeps going up, it will benefit all of us, and government will be able to provide for the needs of the people. However, there is a need to stem the theft of our commonwealth from some individuals,” Osigwe said. “The fight against oil theft is more desirable now more than ever before because Nigeria is borrowing so much to fund its budget.”
The NBA leader explained that their visit was aimed at understanding the challenges faced by oil-producing communities, including the effects of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration.
“First to get first-hand knowledge of how this battle has been fought and what the challenges and approach are. Tantita has done a lot of good work on the issues of pipeline protection and oil theft. We thought that it would be a good place for us to come,” he stated.
Osigwe also underscored the need for justice and equitable distribution of the nation’s oil wealth, highlighting the neglect faced by communities like Gbaramatu.
Meanwhile, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom called on the Federal Government to address the infrastructure deficit in the region. “Presently, government is far from us. It should come closer to us and do the needful for us to reciprocate,” the traditional ruler said.
He also advocated for the establishment of a Magistrate Court in the area, while pledging the community’s commitment to peace in the Niger Delta.
TSSNL, a private security firm engaged by the Federal Government, is tasked with safeguarding pipeline assets across the country.
Source: NAN
By Favour Bibaikefie
Tomorrow, Friday, May 16, 2025, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone — covering Delta, Edo, and Ondo states led by Comrade Nicholas Igarama — will solemnly mark the 57th anniversary of Boro Day at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, NPA Warri, Delta State. The event will feature a dynamic procession through the streets of Warri, followed by an insightful symposium aimed at celebrating and reflecting on the enduring legacy of Ijaw fallen hero, Major Isaac Adaka Boro.
Major Isaac Adaka Boro remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation. Born in 1938 in the Niger Delta region, Major Boro was a Nigerian nationalist, soldier, and activist who passionately championed the rights of his people long before Biafra Republic causes.
In February 1966, Major Boro declared the Niger Delta Republic — a bold and unprecedented move — in an effort to free the Niger Delta region from the exploitation and marginalization of the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian federal government in collution with multinational oil companies. Though short-lived, this declaration sparked a significant movement for self-determination, environmental justice, and economic fairness in the oil-rich region.
Boro’s armed struggle, sacrifices, and calls for equity continue to inspire generations of Ijaws and Niger Delta activists fighting for justice, resource control, and political representation.
Major Boro, who died in combat on March 9, 1968, remains a revered Niger Delta nationalist and freedom fighter.
The 2025 Boro Day Commemoration
This year’s Boro Day celebration in Warri will bring together Ijaw youths, community leaders, cultural groups, and sympathizers from across Delta, Edo, and Ondo states to honor Major Boro’s memory. The procession will wind through key parts of Warri, symbolizing unity and resilience among the Ijaw people.
Following the procession, a symposium will convene at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, where distinguished speakers and historians will share insights on Major Boro’s impact and the ongoing struggle for the Niger Delta’s development and recognition.
While the Warri event is the focal point for the Western Zone, Ijaws worldwide will also hold events commemorating Major Boro’s sacrifice and vision, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of his legacy.
* Tompolo doesn’t spray money; he cannot be held accountable for actions of unknown individuals – Ozobo, IPDI
A leading Niger Delta activist Comrade Ozobo Austin who doubles as the National president of the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), has come forward to exonerate High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, from the recent allegations of monetary abuse levied by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The Niger Delta activist emphasized that there is no concrete evidence supporting the claims presented in the controversial and manipulative viral video that Tompolo sprayed money. He asserted that it is unjust to hold Tompolo responsible for the misdeeds of others.
Comrade Ozobo further alleged that the EFCC has been misled by individuals involved in oil theft and by naive Nigerians whose motives are grounded in envy and jealousy.
He said Tompolo who has great respect for the country’s laws will not condescend low to abuse the law, adding that it would have been better for EFCC to have looked for the unknown individuals responsible for the abuse of the naira in the viral video than dragging the innocent man to disrepute.
The Niger Delta advocate warned mischief makers to invest their time into a meaningful ventures and pursue responsible causes rather than making propaganda against the innocent Tompolo.
He emphasised that Tompolo would not respond to social media critics and unschooled individuals who take joy in manipulating fellow brothers.
Ozobo urged EFCC to be a noble organization and not to allow evil men and unscrupulous social media influencers to instigate them into commenting on unnecessary issues that were capable of threatening the fragile peace of Niger Delta.
News
Burutu LGA Chairman, Commissioner for Housing Inspect Burial Venue of Late Chief Pa Edwin Clark in Kiagbodo
By Peter Ziakegha, May 10, 2025
Kiagbodo, Burutu_The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, in company of the Delta State Commissioner for Housing and Chairman of the Burial Venue Committee, Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele, on Friday inspected the ongoing preparations at the burial venue of the late elder statesman, Chief Pa Edwin Clark, in Kiagbodo.
The visit was aimed at assessing the state of readiness of key facilities and ensuring that arrangements are in place for a dignified and well organised ceremony. The duo expressed satisfaction with the progress of work so far.
Among the areas inspected were the main burial arena, the church slated for the final funeral rites, and the designated parking space for invited dignitaries. Workers were observed mounting canopies, setting up chairs, and grading roadways to ease access to the venue.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Takeme lauded the coordination and commitment of the central planning committee. He assured that all logistics would be completed in good time to honour the legacy of the late Chief Pa Edwin Clark.
Preparations are in top gear as the community, the planning committee and the local government get set to host dignitaries and mourners from across the country for the final rites of the respected leader.