The Movement for the Rights of Arogbo-Ibe (MRAI) has vehemently condemned a recent publication credited to Jude Gbaboyor, which leveled serious allegations against notable Niger Delta leaders, including Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo), Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, and High Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Ph.D.
In a statement jointly signed by Hosea T. Ebikontei, Coordinator of MRAI, and Bomi Stanley, Secretary, the group described the publication as “malicious, unfounded, and a calculated attempt to tarnish the hard-earned reputations of respected figures working tirelessly for peace, stability, and development in the region.
The controversy stems from a circulating article where Tompolo was accused of lobbying the Presidency to shield himself from potential extradition to the United States or prosecution at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity, including accusations of human trafficking, illegal detention, and ritual activities in the Gbaramatu Kingdom.
The article further alleged that Tompolo, alongside Engr. Matthew Tonlagha and High Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, had pending court cases for serious offenses, while questioning their credibility in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prospective 2027 re-election bid.
It also linked Tompolo’s security firm to recent illegal oil bunkering discoveries and accused him of using political affiliations to cover alleged misdeeds.
Responding firmly, MRAI rejected the allegations as “baseless and politically motivated,” aimed at undermining the ongoing efforts of these leaders to secure the Niger Delta and foster meaningful development.
“It is evident that these fabricated accusations are intended to destabilize the relative peace enjoyed in the Niger Delta today, which is largely due to the interventions and sacrifices of Tompolo, Tonlagha, and Otuaro,” the statement read.
The group noted that Government Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo, has been a champion of peace and reconciliation in the region, particularly through his work in securing oil facilities and supporting federal initiatives for amnesty and rehabilitation.
Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, it added, has contributed significantly to economic empowerment programs for youths and women, while High Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Ph.D, as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has repositioned the scheme for greater transparency and success.
MRAI emphasised that no credible court judgments have convicted these individuals on the claims circulated by the publication, warning that repeated attempts to malign them would be met with stiff legal action.
The Movement suggested that the timing and tone of the publication pointed to political motivations, particularly aimed at discrediting efforts already being made by the trio in preparing for broader political mobilisation in support of President Tinubu’s government and beyond.
They called on the general public, especially Niger Deltans, to disregard what they termed “the latest smear campaign” and to remain united in the face of attempts to divide the region.
“We shall continue to defend the rights, dignity, and efforts of leaders who have sacrificed for our people. No amount of sponsored attacks will rewrite their legacies,” MRAI concluded.
This new wave of allegations and the swift rebuttal by stakeholders underline growing tensions within the Niger Delta political space ahead of the 2027 election cycle. It also highlights the delicate balance the federal government must maintain in its relationships with regional actors critical to the oil economy and national security.
Observers will be keen to see whether further investigations, if launched, either by national or international agencies, will substantiate or debunk the claims now swirling around Tompolo and his associates.
For now, the Movement for the Rights of Arogbo-Ibe insists that Tompolo, Tonlagha, and Otuaro remain “pillars of peace and progress” in the Niger Delta.
