WARRI, Nigeria – Former MEND leader and prominent Ijaw figure, High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has broken his silence regarding the political crisis in Rivers State, assuring that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara will soon return to office.
Tompolo made this declaration during his 54th birthday celebration on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Aziza Temple in Gbaramatu Kingdom, where he also addressed ongoing tensions within the Ijaw nation and the broader political landscape.
Tompolo, who has remained largely quiet on the political situation in Rivers since the declaration of a state of emergency, took the opportunity to respond to accusations of betrayal from certain factions within the Ijaw community.
“People say I betrayed the Ijaw nation for not speaking about the removal of Governor Fubara. But I cannot betray the Ijaw people — I have spent my entire life fighting for them,” he said firmly, stressing his unwavering commitment to the Ijaw cause.
The Egbesu Chief Priest also addressed his relationship with former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
While acknowledging the role Ijaw people played in Wike’s political rise, Tompolo appealed to aggrieved Ijaw individuals to rise above Wike’s controversial remarks about the Ijaw nation.
“We are beyond responding to that kind of talk. The Ijaw nation has grown past that level,” he stated, urging unity within the community.
Tompolo then assured both the people of Rivers State and the Ijaw nation that Governor Fubara would soon return to office, revealing that discussions are ongoing between Fubara and Wike to resolve their political differences.
“I have sat on the throne of my father, and all that is lost will be restored. The Ijaw people will never be conquered. If we choose to go to war, even the heavens will support us. I have never fought and lost a battle,” he declared with conviction, signaling his steadfast resolve in supporting Fubara’s return.
On national leadership, Tompolo expressed his support for President Bola Tinubu, stating, “Let us continue to support President Tinubu. He is not a bad person, and he will bring good things to the Ijaw Nation.”
Tompolo also addressed the contentious issue of the INEC ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency, clarifying that Ijaws and Itsekiris are not enemies.
He emphasized historical and demographic facts to back his stance, stating that Omadino in Gbaramatu is older than all Itsekiri communities and that, when considering population sizes, the Ijaw communities surpass the Itsekiri ones.
“Omadino in Gbaramatu is 40 years older than all Itsekiri communities. If you add up all Itsekiri towns, they still do not match the population of Okerenkoko. INEC only revealed the truth. We are one people — the Olu of Warri is a maternal son of Gbaramatu,” Tompolo said.
He concluded with a stern warning to those attempting to sow division within the Ijaw community, particularly regarding Bayelsa state.
“Bayelsa is our home. Anyone who tries to destabilize Bayelsa will meet fierce resistance. I may not always agree with Governor Diri, but we are both Ijaws. The time for internal strife is over. We must love and protect each other,” he said, calling for unity and solidarity among Ijaw people.
