From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Former leader of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo, has broken his silence on the political crisis in Rivers state. He told the gathering, comprising former commanders of MEND, former militants and associates, that Governor Siminalayi Fubara would come back as governor.
Tompolo, popularly known as GOC for his tactical efforts during the militancy era, had been prodded by several commentators 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.
The former warlord who stated that when the Minister Federal Capital Territory (FCT) made Fubara governor, no Ijaw man was there, 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, who 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.”
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.