News
IPDI Urges IGP, DSS to Arrest Those Peddling Campaign of Calumny Against Otuaro, Tompolo, Pondi
By Divine Perezide
The Ijaw People’s Initiative (IPDI) has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to take decisive action against individuals allegedly funding and coordinating protests in the United States and the United Kingdom to spread misinformation about key Niger Delta figures.
In a statement issued by its National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the group condemned what it described as a calculated attempt to tarnish the reputations or Chief Dr., Dennis Otuaro PhD., the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP); High Chief Dr., Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo); and Chief Engr. Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
IPDI attributed these allegations to individuals who have their eyes on the PAP administrator’s position or those involved in oil theft and the destruction of pipelines. The group emphasized that these false narratives, if left unchecked, could harm both the personal integrity of the accused individuals and the stability of the Niger Delta region.
To prevent such damage, IPDI urged security agencies to conduct thorough investigations, identify the perpetrators, and take necessary action. The organisation stressed the importance of protecting respected leaders like Otuaro, Tompolo, and Pondi from such smear campaigns that could create unnecessary divisions within the region.
Reaffirming its commitment to truth and justice, IPDI praised Otuaro for his achievements within just one year as PAP administrators, youths, and community leaders to continue supporting him to ensure more progress for ex-agitators and the Niger Delta as a whole.
Additionally, Tompolo and Pondi were recognised for their contributions to youth empowerment, economic growth, and regional security. IPDI insisted that their leadership should be acknowledged and not undermined by baseless accusations.
The group accused certain elements, including defeated political aspirants and frustrated oil thieves, of orchestrating these allegations to serve their selfish interests. IPDI urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ignore these false claims, emphasising that Otuaro’s leadership has been instrumental in maintaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta, particularly during moments of political tension such as the #EndBadGovernance protests and the ongoing Rivers State crisis.
IPDI highlighted that Otuaro’s appointment as PAP administrator was widely celebrated across the Niger Delta and has led to significant reforms in the amnesty programme. The group also credited Tompolo and Pondi for their role in restoring the region’s environment, combating oil theft, and increasing Nigerian’s oil production to over two million barrels per day.
In conclusion, IPDI demanded swift intervention from the IGP and DSS to identity and prosecute those responsible for spreading falsehoods. The group insisted that holding these individuals accountable would serve as a deterrent to others attempting to destabilize the Niger Delta through misinformation.
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.