Rivers crises: Fubara’ll be back as governor -Tompolo
By John Okezie
Ex- leader of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), High Chief Government Ekpemepulo, popularly known as Tompolo has assured that Siminalaiye Fubara will return to his seat as governor of Rivers State.
Speaking to a gathering, comprising of ex-commanders of MEND, ex-militants, and associates, he expressed optimism that Governor Siminalayi Fubara would be back as governor.
Tompolo, popularly known as the GOC for his tactical efforts during the militancy era, had been prodded by several commentors to speak on the State of Emergency in Rivers State and the plot against Fubara.
Speaking in Ijaw language over the weekend during the celebration of his 54th Birthday in a viral video, Tompolo admonished the Ijaw nation to toe the path of peace.
Stating that when the Minister Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike made Fubara governor that no Ijaw man was there, he likened the political feud between them as that of a father and son.
He appealed to the people not to be provoked by the utterances of Wike, whom he described as his friend.
“For the sake of peace, I am pleading with the entire Ijaw nation, do not be angry. Let us rise above provocation and embrace dialogue’’ he said.
While also noting that it was the collective effort of Ijaws that made Wike governor, he said he would intervene to resolve the issue.
“The Ijaw played a key role in Wike’s political journey. Even today, Governor Fubara, our own son, will retain his position. Wike is a friend to me. It is time for dialogue and negotiation. I will personally intervene to ensure that Governor Fubara and Wike restore their father-and-son relationship. Peace and unity must prevail for the good of Rivers State and the entire Ijaw nation’’, he said
Tompolo stated that though he does not share the same opinion with the Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, the fact that they are both Ijaws is enough to ensure that Bayelsa State, which is the only state of the Ijaw nation, is protected.
