Tompolo’s detractors are Niger Delta’s adversaries, says Ijaw elders.

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports

The Niger Delta region’s adversaries, according to Izon Okosu-Otu (Izon Council of Elders), are to blame for the attack on Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, over the pipeline surveillance contract that the government gave him.

In a statement read at a press conference yesterday in Warri, Delta state, the chairman of the top Ijaw body in the state, Chief Bare Etolor, and the secretary, Chief Fred Anisah, questioned why critics were silent over the multi-billion dollar oil mining licenses and oil blocks given to non-Niger Deltans. They emphasized that it was clear that the attacks on Tompolo were sponsored by Niger Deltans’ enemies who were determined to sow discord in

“Once more, the current contract is given to around three other businesses, but only the portion given to Tompolo has given rise to a dispute.”

When our seasonal agitators demand for the heavens to open up on the Tompolo small contract, why are the multi-billion dollar oil mining licenses and oil blocks that were solely given to non-Niger Deltans constantly overlooked?

This is out of the norm; it appears to be the work of our steadfast Niger Delta foes who are determined to keep us from ever coming together.

The Ijaw elders emphasized the need for everyone to support Tompolo in order to resolve the conflict peacefully.