In a stirring and clarifying speech at his 54th birthday celebration in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as GOC Tompolo, delivered a message of peace, unity, and unwavering support for the Ijaw Nation. His words, carefully weighed and devoid of political undertones, resonated with both Ijaw leaders and the wider Niger Delta community.
Tompolo began by addressing a recent controversial statement made by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike. While acknowledging the tension surrounding the comment, he urged the Ijaw people to show restraint and not let anger cloud their judgment. He emphasized the importance of peace and unity within the Ijaw Nation.
“I beg the entire Ijaw Nation not to be angry at Wike’s unguided statement against the Ijaw Nation for the sake of peace,” Tompolo urged. “It is crucial we embrace peace even in disagreement.”
Tompolo went on to highlight the significant role the Ijaw people played in the emergence of Wike as Governor of Rivers State. He reflected on the unity that was shown during that time and underscored that Ijaw people had a direct hand in making Wike governor.
“The Ijaw people gathered and made Wike as Governor in Rivers State,” Tompolo stated, reinforcing the historical and political ties between the Ijaw community and the leadership of Rivers State.
Reaffirming the position of the Ijaw Nation in the current political landscape, Tompolo expressed confidence that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a son of the Ijaw people, would retain his governorship position in Rivers State.
“Even Gov Fubara, our son, will retain his Governorship position in Rivers State,” he declared, highlighting the indomitable spirit of the Ijaw people in maintaining political relevance.
On the relationship between Governor Fubara and Wike, Tompolo urged peace, calling for dialogue and reconciliation in light of any existing differences.
“Wike was instrumental to the emergence of Gov SIM in Rivers State without any support from Ijaw leaders during the electioneering process. In whatever disagreement exists between SIM Fubara and Wike, our Ijaw people should all embrace peace,” Tompolo advised, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation.
Tompolo also made it clear that despite differences in opinion with the current Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, Bayelsa remains the core of the Ijaw Nation.
“Bayelsa is the Jerusalem City of the Ijaw Nation,” he asserted. “Even though my opinions may not be the same with Gov Diri, Bayelsa is the only state of the Ijaw Nation. As Ijaw people, we know how to settle our differences. Whatever we are doing here, all our eyes are in Bayelsa State, therefore, anyone who thinks they have any spiritual powers—whether President or Governor—should not try Bayelsa State. If not, they will regret their actions towards Bayelsa State. Nobody can touch Bayelsa State.”
Tompolo made a passionate plea to all Ijaw ex-agitators and individuals involved in armed conflict within the region to put an end to bloodshed and embrace a culture of peace and dialogue.
“I want to tell all Ijaw ex-agitators and those who carry guns—nobody, and I repeat, nobody, should kill a fellow Ijaw man or woman, no matter the provocation or dissenting views. We must learn to love ourselves. The era of bloodshed should die naturally. It’s time for dialogue.”
The powerful message delivered by Tompolo at this significant event highlights his commitment to peace, unity, and the future of the Ijaw Nation. His call for dialogue and reconciliation resonates across the Niger Delta as the region continues to navigate its political and social challenges.
