The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, has criticized recent allegations by the Itsekiri Progress Group (IPG) and other unnamed organizations, describing them as illogical attempts to blackmail prominent Ijaw leaders, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and Dr. Dennis Otuaro.
The IYC, which represents Ijaw youths across Delta, Edo, and Ondo states, dismissed accusations that Tompolo and Otuaro were sponsoring a campaign against First Lady Remi Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu using federal funds.
The group described the claims as baseless, politically motivated, and “inconsequential.”
In a statement signed by Comrade Nicholas Igarama (Chairman), Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo Esq (Secretary), and Comrade Tare Magbei (Information Officer), the IYC defended the duo and affirmed their positive contributions to peace and development in the Niger Delta region.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
“The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone condemns in strong terms allegations made against High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo and Dr Dennis Otuaro by the Itsekiri Progress Group (IPG) and other faceless groups within the Itsekiri ethnic nationality,” the statement reads.
“Ordinarily, Council would not react to mischievous allegations such as the ones raised by these elements who are frustrated by the outcome of the recent delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, but doing so could allow falsehood to appear as truth.
The IYC praised Tompolo’s role in enhancing oil production through Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, highlighting the firm’s success in combating oil bunkering and improving environmental conditions in the creeks.
“It is evidently clear that the efforts of Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has caused the country to attain stable daily oil production volumes. Not only is Nigeria’s daily oil output approaching the two million barrels mark, Tantita is leading the charge for environmental cleaningness in the creeks in the face of a heavy degradation occasioned by oil bunkering activities in the past.
Also, the company has overseen the employment of thousands of youths in the Niger Delta, with a huge chunk of that number taken from the Itsekiri ethnic nationality.
On the other hand, Dr. Otuaro has reformed the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) from its lost days to an entity of hope and solution to the Niger Delta region, drawing accolades and commendations from the Presidency, NSA and critical stakeholders in the region,”it added.
READ ALSO: Tompolo a Greater Contributor to Naira’s Value Than EFCC –IYC
The group also took responsibility for the recent peaceful Boro Day procession in Warri, noting that Otuaro’s presence was at the Council’s invitation. It warned against linking him or Tompolo to a recent joint statement by Ijaw and Urhobo groups urging INEC to implement the delineation outcome and appealing to the First Lady to maintain neutrality.
“May we remind the Itsekiri nation that as First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu is mother to the entire country, and not solely owned by the Itsekiri nation. Hence, every Nigerian is obliged to make demands of her, which the Ijaws and Urhobos illustrated through their statement,” the IYC added.
The IYC called on the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and other Itsekiri leaders to rein in aggressive youth actions and prevent further tensions in the region. It accused protesting Itsekiri youths of destroying property and attacking Ijaw residents, warning that such actions could provoke retaliation and threaten peace in Warri.
The group also called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct INEC to implement the delineation recommendations without delay to prevent a potential crisis.
Leave a comment