RETURN OUR CULTURAL SYMBOL - TOMBOLO TELLS FG

Emma Arubi wrote:

High Chief Government Ekpemukpolo (a.k.a Tompolo) Saturday expressed regret over the symbol of authority of the Egbesu deity seized by the military operatives that invaded Oporoza community, even as he warned against the continued bombing of oil facilities by the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA.

In a statement in Warri, Tompolo stated that dialogue remained the only meaningful option to their grievances no matter how huge it is, saying that the continuous destruction of oil facilities amount to shooting oneself in the foot.

According to him, “You have not only succeeded in militarizing the Niger Delta region now, but also succeeded in giving birth to so many negotiators and political jobbers within the government circle, who are very serious rumour peddlers in the country now.”

He insisted that it was high time the Avengers whom he said he did not know stopped the bombing and destruction of crude oil facilities in the Niger Delta region.

The former militant said that his Gbaramatu kingdom and people have not known peace since the NDA commenced their action as they had been harassed, intimidated, violated and invaded on daily basis by the Nigerian military under the guise of looking for the avengers and his humble self.

The statement read in part: “All communities in Gbaramatu kingdom have been deserted by residents for fear of a repeat of the 2009 military invasion, which still leaves the communities in a shambles.

“Even till now, the military has not returned the symbol of authority they took away from the Egbesu Shrine and other valuables in Oporoza community during the May 28, 2016, invasion…This is a clear (case of) oppression and intimidation of the peace-loving people of Gbaramatu Kingdom.

“On a final note, I wish to reiterate that you guys must stop the bombing and destruction of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region now and embrace the dialogue option from the Federal Government as it is (dialogue) the only pragmatic means in resolving a crisis no matter huge and complicated such crisis is.

“And I believe fervently that the Government is serious and willing to end this re-occurring crisis in the Niger Delta region.”

Independent newspaper.