Edith CHUKU
A former militant leader in the oil rich Niger Delta region, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has expressed worry over the devastating economic hardship in Nigeria.
Tompolo expressed this concern at Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, where the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, conferred him with the “Internal Security Meritorious Award.”
The former warlord whose company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, is engaged by the Federal Government to protect oil pipelines in the Niger Delta, stressed the need to stop those he described as economic saboteurs.
He appealed to Nigerians to “guard against greedy saboteurs of the nation’s oil and gas economy. Our economy is in dire need of survival, so we cannot fold our hands and allow some people to sabotage the nation’s economy because of greed.
“The only place I have to call my country is Nigeria, so I will do everything within my power to see that crude oil production increases.
“I will strive to ensure an increase in the daily crude oil production output by checking oil theft.”
Tompolo further acknowledged the pivotal role of the media in promoting peace and stabilising democracy in the country.
According to him, “The critical role of the media in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. Nothing reasonable can be achieved without the media, so, I want to appeal that they should be appreciated.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, the President of the NUJ, Mr Chris Isiguzo, lauded Tompolo’s contributions to internal security, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
He noted that the awardee had substantially helped the country to address the issue of crude oil theft, which, according to him, had over time, occupied the national life of Nigerians.
“But today, somebody has risen to the occasion and gathered an array of young men who have taken it upon themselves to help this country continue to survive as a peaceful and united nation.
“By his commitment, dedication and diligence, Nigeria as a country has to a very large extent, reduced activities of men of the underworld consistently engaged in pilfering and taking our common patrimony for their selfish gains.
“We decided that we must accord the necessary recognition to the man who carries the flag, and birthed this organisation.
“A man who has exceptionally distinguished himself, and has been celebrated by Nigerians across all walks of life. A general in his own right, who has distinguished himself, ensured and maintained an appreciable level of internal security.”
