Discussions Are Ongoing Behind the Scenes, Fubara Will Soon Return to Office — Top Government Official Assures
“The Ijaw nation has come of age. We must not be drawn into avoidable conflict,” he said, revealing that behind-the-scenes discussions are ongoing between Wike and Fubara to resolve their differences. “I am confident that Governor Fubara will return to office soon.”
Discussions Are Ongoing Behind the Scenes, Fubara Will Soon Return to Office — Top Government Official Assures
A top government official and influential voice in the Niger Delta, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has spoken for the first time since the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, expressing strong support for suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and assuring that he will soon return to office.
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Speaking during celebrations marking his 54th birthday at the Aziza Temple in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Tompolo addressed the political tension in Rivers State and pushed back against criticisms over his earlier silence.
“I have not betrayed the Ijaw people. My entire life has been dedicated to fighting for their cause,” Tompolo said to a crowd of traditional leaders, youth groups, and political figures gathered at the ceremony.
Tompolo acknowledged his long-standing friendship with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, whose fallout with Governor Fubara has sparked widespread unrest. However, he called on the Ijaw people to remain calm and not allow Wike’s recent comments—widely seen as inflammatory—to provoke division.
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“The Ijaw nation has come of age. We must not be drawn into avoidable conflict,” he said, revealing that behind-the-scenes discussions are ongoing between Wike and Fubara to resolve their differences. “I am confident that Governor Fubara will return to office soon.”
With a characteristic mix of conviction and defiance, Tompolo reiterated the resilience of the Ijaw people, warning that any further attempt to undermine their political standing would be met with resistance. “We have never been conquered. And if need be, we will rise. I have never lost a battle,” he declared.
Tompolo also took the opportunity to urge support for President Bola Tinubu, describing the president as having “good intentions” for the Ijaw nation, and calling for unity across the Niger Delta.
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Addressing local political tensions, he weighed in on the ongoing controversy over INEC’s ward delineation in Warri, emphasizing that the Ijaws and the Itsekiris should not be divided by politics. “We are not enemies. We share history and a common heritage,” he said, citing population figures and historical records to make his case for peaceful coexistence.
On Bayelsa State, Tompolo issued a strong warning against any attempts to destabilize the state, vowing that such efforts would be met with “fierce resistance.” While noting his differences with Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, he emphasized the importance of unity among Ijaw leaders and the protection of Ijaw interests.
The speech is already making waves in political circles, with many interpreting it as a significant intervention that could help ease tensions in the region and pave the way for a peaceful resolution to the Rivers State crisis.
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