Opinion
OPINION: THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE IYC PRESIDENT JONATHAN LOKPOBIRI SNR STATEMENT AND THAT OF GOC GOVERNMENT TOMPOLO EKPEMUPOLO STATEMENT, EXPLAINED.
By Lordy Torus
I’ve listened to Tompolo speak to his people on his 54th birthday celebration, though, through a translator. This is what I had been expecting to hear long before today, given my privilege of understanding Ijaw and the interpreter’s translation into English. I give him kudos for first acknowledging the Ijawness in him, something many privileged individuals in authority have refused to do. He recognized that before politics, there is the Ijaw Nation, and so it shall remain. His mention of Bayelsa State as the homogeneous Ijaw headquarters was another pointer to his recognition of his Ijaw heritage.
He was very deliberate and moderate in addressing the imbroglio between Wike and Fubara, calling on both parties to sheathe their swords. He acknowledged the role Wike played in making Fubara the Governor of Rivers State and admonished Wike, reminding him that the Ijaw people also contributed to his success. He emphasized the need for both parties to bury their differences and bring Fubara back. He went further to say that while he might disagree with the Governor, the Ijaw Nation is sacrosanct.
Tompolo cautioned toying with the emotions of Izon people by Wike wanting to bring his trophy to Bayelsa and he told him in all terms that coming to Yenagoa will not be tolerated, not by way of advice but a straight talk. He then addressed Fubara and Wike to Wike’s advantage though and of course it’s several times acceptable to me.
Jonathan Lokpobiri would’ve been celebrated by the Ijaw people which he leads if only he had made it known that, he is first an Ijaw man, before anything. If he had applied wisdom, he would’ve bashed Wike and those encouraging him to toil with the Ijaw Nation, for bringing the Ijaw Nation into his political games. Rather, he lambasted Ijaws for calling for war, yet could not do anything when the state of emergency was pronounced by President Asiwaju Tinubu. Robbing salt on a very deep injury.
While Tompolo succinctly sent a message to Wike that he should respect the only homogeneous Ijaw State by not bringing his games to Bayelsa, which he as an Ijaw man won’t find appealing. He as well reminded the people that it was Wike who single handedly handpicked Fubara, to be Governor of Rivers State. Thereby giving a fair judgement on both parties. But the President either deliberate or unknownly aggravated the people’s anger, by making it seem like the Ijaw people whom he leads were the trouble makers, making Wike the saint in the whole issue, while the Ijaw people and the Fubara, as the troublemakers.
As Ijaws, your tribe must come first, before anything.
Just like Jonathan, Tompolo acknowledged the fact that the issue between Wike and Fubara is a political issue and can only be solved through Political means. However, Jonathan sinned when he refused to make it bold that Wike should not toil with the Ijaw Nation.
One thing I learnt from this is that, having all the degrees doesn’t make one a harbinger of knowledge. Perhaps, GOC had to wait for everybody to air their opinion, before dishing out his incontroversial statement, to calm down already failed nerves. I can agree with myself that those who were angered by Wike’s unguarded statement, has calmed down and partially forgiven him, pending when Tompolo does his calling for the return of Governor Fubara.
Credit: Benebragha Suoye
* As Group Gears Up to Endorse Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for 2027
By: Divine Perezide
Ahead of the 2027 general elections gradually inches closer, the political terain have seen a lot of endorsements at various levels. In Delta, there have been reports of a planned endorsement of governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the sole candidate by a group of Delta Ijaws. This has however, triggered reactions from many stakeholders, including a prominent Ijaw leader, peace and development advocate, Comrade (Chief) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, who has declared that Ijaw votes in 2027 would be determined by projects allocated, adequately funded to completion in the 2026 budget.
The renowned human and environmental rights activist made the declaration at a press briefing after an expanded stakeholders meeting in Warri on behalf of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the state.
According to the Ibe Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, the adequate inclusion and funding of projects in the riverine areas will serve as critical consideration for political support, and riverine communities predominantly occupied by the Ijaws and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities.
While he commended the infrastructural development stride by governor Oborevwori in the upland areas, Mulade however lamented the absence of such infrastructural revolution in the riverine areas of the state despite the population density and huge revenue contributions to the state as host to multinational oil and gas companies.
He said, “I want to sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the infrastructural development, which I described as infrastructural revolution in the state, particularly in the upland, and your proposed commissioning of the reconstructed Odimodi-Ogulagha road earlier constructed by SPDC in the 1980’s for their operational convenience and community residents.
“It is imperative to state that some Ijaw communities such as Ogulagha, Torugbene, Oporoza, Akugbene, Ojobo etc. are more densely populated than some local government headquarters in the upland, but they are deliberately deprived of development because of the so-called claim of terrain challenges.
“These communities host multinational oil and gas companies contributing immensely to the state revenue, but without any significant projects,” he lamented.
The Ibe-Sorimowei who reminded the governor of how the Ijaws adopted, supported and stood by him all through the election season, also gave the assurance of massive Ijaw votes come 2027, but one that must be backed by the governor’s commitment to development through massive projects inclusion for the area.
“We (the Ijaws) have created a conducive atmosphere to boost oil and gas production, making Delta the richest state; support security, douse restiveness and support economic stability. It is time for the governor to reciprocate through the 2026 budget with tangible legacy projects,” he asserted.
Speaking further he said, “Your Excellency, permit me to draw your attention to some expected critical projects that must be considered for the Delta Ijaw nation: the Ayakoromo bridge, Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene-Escravos road, Aladja-Ogbe-Ijoh Road, Ojobo-Torugbene road, among others.
“Build a first class Health Centre/General Hospital in riverine community, particularly at Ogulagha Town, to compensate the people for their huge contributions to the state revenue.
On education, he appealed that, “It is worthy of note that every ethnic group in Delta State hosts state university except the Ijaws and the Itsekiris. I want to strongly and sincerely appeal to His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori once again, to consider the upgrading of the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, which is a moribund polytechnic, to a campus of the Delta State University, Abraka. This will position the state to explore the blue economy opportunities. Equally too, the state government should, without delay, build a campus of Dennis Osadebe University at Koko to give sense of belonging to the Itsekiris with a special focus on agriculture for Deltans.
“The above mentioned projects constitutes significant live-wire for the Delta Ijaw, and will translate into votes come 2027. We can assure His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, of 100 percent of the entire Ijaw votes come 2027.
“The consideration of revolutionary projects in the riverine areas in the 2026 budget will give a sense of belonging to the people for their huge contributions. Moreover, your commitment to development will write your name in gold, not just seeking their votes during elections.”
“Tompolo: A Movement of Transformation” – Prof. Binebai,
IduwiniVoice
Renowned Delta-born Professor of Professor of Drama, Dramatic Theory and Criticism, and an Auratorial god, Prof. Benedict Binebai has yet described High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo as ‘A Movement of Transformation”
In his words, “Tompolo is a multifaceted entity, a veritable institution that defies categorisation, embodying a dynamic force that permeates various aspects of society. As an agency, it represents a powerful catalyst for change, driving progress and innovation in its wake. As a model, Tompolo exemplifies excellence, demonstrating a paradigm of leadership that is at once inspiring and aspirational. His influence extends far beyond the realm of politics, permeating the cultural, religious, and spiritual spheres, where he fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.
“As a movement, Tompolo is a seismic force, shaking the foundations of complacency and stagnation, and galvanising individuals to strive for a brighter future. His impact is felt across generations, as he empowers young and old alike to become agents of positive change in their communities. In the realm of politics, Tompolo’s leadership has been characterised by a commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of the marginalised. His vision for a more equitable society has inspired countless individuals to work towards a common goal, forging a sense of solidarity and shared humanity.
“Culturally, Tompolo has been a luminary, celebrating the rich diversity of Nigerian heritage while promoting a sense of national identity and pride. His influence has helped to preserve traditional values while embracing modernity, creating a unique blend of old and new. Spiritually, Tompolo’s message of hope and redemption has resonated with people from all walks of life, offering a sense of solace and comfort in times of uncertainty. His leadership has embodied a sense of compassion and empathy, inspiring a new generation of spiritual leaders to follow in his footsteps.
“In every sense, Tompolo is a transformative force, a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to the greater good. He is an impeccable movement because his philosophy, his love for society, his cultural activism, his religiosity and leadership grace and skill which is human centered is attracting a large followership, particularly in the Nigerian Delta, where his impact is deeply felt.”
This assertions resonates well with popular sentiments held not just across the Delta of Nigeria but far beyond. Tompolo’s increasing popularity waxes stronger on the pillars of his dedication to homemade ijaw naturality, largeheartedness, stern capability in securing critical national economic assets and the environment, and above all, a detribalized collaborative efforts with other critical stakeholders within and outside the Niger Delta for peace, stability, infrastructural development, and economic process.
(c) IduwiniVoice
* Pushes for Riverine Infrastructural Revolution In 2026 Budget
By: Divine Perezide
Renowned Delta-born peace, development, and environmental advocate, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff, Ph.D, has praised His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State for the infrastructural revolution in the state.
Thus contained in a statement issued by the renowned activist and business tycoon in his office at the Africa4Peace Centre, Ugolo, Okpe Local Government Area, wherein he stated: “It is imperative to state that, the governor has won the heart of Deltans for his developmental strides, irrespective of political affiliation.”
“Let me specifically appreciate the governor once again for using construction giant Julius Berger Plc for the three flyovers situated in Uvwie Local Government Area around Warri axis of the State and the proposed Ughelli and Agbor flyovers to ease traffic flow in those areas”, he added.
“Governor Oborevwori has equally embarked on stormwater drainages and several roads construction projects in the state, which are very impressive demonstration of determine and dedicated governor efforts towards his people.
“However, I wish to strongly appeal to His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to consider and give deep sense of belonging to the riverine communities dominated by Ijaw and Itsekiri to equally enjoy the dividend of infrastructural revolution being embarked upon by his administration.
“It is pertinent to remind the governor that Ijaw and Itsekiri areas contributes over 60 percent of the state economy through oil and gas resources and the blue econom, which make the state the richest in Nigeria and there is no significant projects in this area worthy of note, inspite of their huge contributions to the revenue base of the state, Mulade quipped.
“Let me use this opportunity to sincerely appeal on behalf of the good and peace loving people of Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities that the 2026 Delta State budget must give critical consideration to the people by accommodating the Ayakoromo bridge, Torugbene-Ojobo road project, Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene- Escravos Road etc. These areas deserves development beyond just elections and vote-seeking in 2027 and beyond.
“Your Excellency, it is worthy of note that the riverine areas are tired of 1 or 2km concrete walk-ways in their communities regarded as roads rather we need the coastal communities/areas to be connected to the upland for economy viability and growth”, he emphasized.
“It is worthy of note that, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has done very well in terms of stormwater drainages and road projects and same gesture should be extended to the economy sources by deploying Julius Berger to handle such projects for durability, thereby writing his name in gold and sink his identity in the heart of riverine people like His Excellency, Chief James Onanafe Ibori, former governor who boldly achieved Bomadi and Omadino bridges that as linked those areas to upland in the state,” Mulade asserted.