Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has distanced himself from a viral publication linking him to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
Tompolo, who holds the revered title of Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation, described the report as “a desperate fabrication” by “enemies bent on pulling him down” over his sustained fight against illegal crude oil activities in the Niger Delta.
In a statement signed by his media consultant, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, and obtained on Sunday, the ex-militant leader stated categorically that he had no hand in the said publication, which has been trending across social media platforms.
“We wish to state unequivocally and unambiguously that High Chief Ekpemupolo did not author the said publication. He has nothing to do with the issue of Nnamdi Kanu,” the statement read in part.
Bebenimibo alleged that the viral post was the handiwork of “those who are uncomfortable with Tompolo’s patriotic stand against oil theft,” adding that such persons had failed in their bid to discredit him.
“These people will continue to fail, because he will not relent in carrying out his duty to totally eradicate illegal oil activities in the region,” he said.
Tompolo, whose private security outfit has been partnering with the Federal Government to secure critical oil infrastructure, reaffirmed his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We wish to reassure the Federal Government, led by our dynamic President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that Tompolo is with him and will continue to support his government’s renewed agenda,” Bebenimibo stated.
He added that the ex-militant leader “remains firm” in his endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term, saying he would continue to work for the realisation of that goal.
Tompolo, who has in recent months drawn both praise and criticism for his role in curbing oil theft, urged the public to disregard the viral message, describing it as “cheap blackmail that will not stand the test of truth.”
“Once again, the Federal Government and the general public should ignore the said publication,” the statement added.
