Former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo, has spoken out about the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, reaffirming his support for the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. In a public declaration made during his 54th birthday celebration at the Aziza Temple in Gbaramatu Kingdom on Saturday, Tompolo assured the people of Rivers and the Ijaw nation that Governor Fubara will return to his office, despite the recent turmoil and the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
Tompolo’s comments come nearly a month after the political upheaval in Rivers State, when the state government came under intense pressure due to Fubara’s suspension. Many had been awaiting Tompolo’s stance on the matter, especially since he is one of the most prominent figures in the Ijaw community and a well-known political player. His silence on the issue had led to speculation and allegations of betrayal from some Ijaw groups, with critics questioning whether he had abandoned his people in their time of need.
However, Tompolo wasted no time in addressing these concerns. With a sense of urgency and conviction, he assured the crowd at his birthday celebration that Governor Fubara would soon return to his position. He revealed that dialogue was ongoing between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and former governor of Rivers State, to resolve their differences and restore stability to the state’s leadership.
“I have sat on the throne of my father, and all that is lost will be restored. The Ijaw people will never be conquered. If we choose to go to war, even the heavens will support us. I have never fought and lost a battle,” Tompolo declared passionately, referencing his long-standing commitment to the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta people. His words were meant to reassure his supporters that he was still firmly in their corner, despite the difficult political circumstances.
Tompolo’s declaration comes at a critical time when tensions are high between different factions within the Ijaw and Rivers political circles. Fubara’s suspension and the uncertainty surrounding his return have left many in the region unsettled. The former MEND leader’s assurance provided a sense of hope for many, signaling that a resolution was on the horizon.
In his address, Tompolo also addressed growing frustrations within the Ijaw nation. He acknowledged that some had accused him of betraying the Ijaw people due to his lack of public commentary on the matter. However, he vehemently rejected such claims, stating, “People say I betrayed the Ijaw nation for not speaking about the removal of Governor Fubara. But I cannot betray the Ijaw people — I have spent my entire life fighting for them.” His words seemed to strike a chord with his audience, as they understood the weight of his commitment to the Ijaw cause.
Tompolo also reflected on his relationship with former Governor Nyesom Wike, a close ally who is now serving as FCT Minister in the administration of President Bola Tinubu. While Wike’s tenure as governor had been marked by some controversial remarks about the Ijaw people, Tompolo called for unity within the Ijaw community, urging them to rise above such divisive rhetoric.
“We are beyond responding to that kind of talk,” Tompolo stated. “The Ijaw nation has grown past that level.” He emphasized that the Ijaw people should not allow divisive remarks to drive a wedge between them and the rest of the nation. His call for unity echoed his broader message of reconciliation and peace within the Ijaw community, as well as the need for collective action in the face of external challenges.
Despite his longstanding support for Wike, Tompolo made it clear that the Ijaw people should not allow themselves to be divided by the former governor’s past statements. He encouraged the Ijaw people to look beyond the past and work toward a unified future, especially as political and social tensions in the Niger Delta continue to simmer.
“I have never fought and lost a battle,” Tompolo continued. His confidence in the Ijaw people’s ability to overcome adversity was palpable. His declaration also reflected his deep connection to the region and his belief in its resilience.
Tompolo’s birthday celebration also provided an opportunity to address the ongoing issue of political representation in the Niger Delta, particularly in relation to the ongoing INEC ward delineation controversy in the Warri Federal Constituency. Tompolo clarified that the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups are not enemies, despite some tensions over territorial boundaries and political representation.
He stressed the historical and demographic facts that, in his view, supported the Ijaw people’s rightful claims in the region. “Omadino in Gbaramatu is 40 years older than all Itsekiri communities. If you add up all Itsekiri towns, they still do not match the population of Okerenkoko. INEC only revealed the truth. We are one people — the Olu of Warri is a maternal son of Gbaramatu,” Tompolo remarked. His statement aimed to dispel myths and foster better understanding between the Ijaw and Itsekiri communities.
Tompolo’s comments on unity also extended to his relationship with Bayelsa State, where he called for the protection of the Ijaw people’s interests. “Bayelsa is our home. Anyone who tries to destabilize Bayelsa will meet fierce resistance,” he warned. While he acknowledged that he may not always agree with Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Tompolo emphasized the importance of solidarity among Ijaw leaders and communities.
“The time for internal strife is over. We must love and protect each other,” he concluded, signaling his desire for peace and unity within the Ijaw nation.
