The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, has strongly criticized recent accusations leveled against High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and Dr. Dennis Otuaro by the Itsekiri Progress Group (IPG) and other unnamed entities linked to the Itsekiri ethnic group.
Ordinarily, the Council would have ignored such unfounded claims. However, silence could allow these misleading narratives to gain undue credibility.
To clarify, both High Chief Dr. Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro are respected figures within the Ijaw nation and have played pivotal roles in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda over the past two years.
Tompolo’s firm, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has significantly contributed to restoring Nigeria’s crude oil production to near two million barrels per day. Beyond securing oil installations, Tantita is actively driving environmental restoration efforts in communities severely impacted by past oil theft and pollution. Additionally, the firm has created thousands of employment opportunities for youths across the Niger Delta, including many from the Itsekiri ethnic group.
Similarly, under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has witnessed major reforms. His commitment to restoring the Programme’s credibility has drawn praise from top government officials, including the Presidency and National Security Adviser, as well as regional stakeholders.
It is therefore unacceptable for any group to attempt to smear their reputations under the guise of contesting the recent delineation results of the Warri Federal Constituency. Such actions appear to be rooted in mischief rather than legitimate concern.
The IYC Western Zone takes full responsibility for organizing the peaceful Boro Day celebration in Warri, where thousands of Ijaw youths honored the legacy of the late hero, Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro. Dr. Otuaro’s attendance at the event was at the request of the Council, in recognition of his role as a key stakeholder.
Attempts to link Tompolo and Otuaro to the joint statement by Ijaw and Urhobo leaders; which simply urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement its own delineation recommendations and called on the First Lady to remain neutral; are not only baseless but deliberately misleading.
The Ijaw Youth Council reminds all concerned that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represents all Nigerians and not any specific ethnic nationality. As such, any citizen has the right to express appeals or concerns to her office.
We call on His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, and other Itsekiri elders to intervene and guide their youths toward peaceful conduct. While peaceful protest is a democratic right, recent actions by some Itsekiri youths; including protests outside their domain, road blockades, destruction of property, and unprovoked attacks on Ijaw residents; risk inciting conflict and destabilizing the region.
The IYC Western Zone urges President Tinubu to instruct INEC to promptly implement the delineation results to forestall any tension that could hinder national progress.
Signed:
Comr. Nicholas Igarama
Chairman, IYC Western Zone
Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo Esq.
Secretary, IYC Western Zone
Comr. Tare Magbei
Information Officer, IYC Western Zone
