WE WILL NEVER SACRIFICE TOMPOLO FOR NIGERIA

Abai Francis wrote:

Since the inception of the Muhammadu Buhari administration last year (May 29, 2015), it is obvious that certain stocks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have an axe to grind with some citizens in the country, most especially the stout supporters of the once ruling People's Democratic Party (now the opposition), and the only way to do this is to hound these individuals with frivolous charges of corrupt practices under the disguise of fighting corruption itself. If the fight against corruption is not a contraption, then why is it not all embracing rather than being selective? Not only is the fight against corruption biased, it is also done outside the purview of the law as the members of opposition are forcefully denied justice and ill-treated with silly excuse that they pose a danger to national security and might abscond if they get a chance to.

Last year when Tompolo's account was frozen and he went to court for justice, the EFCC obliged the summons; only for it to turn around to press for a warrant of arrest when he (Tompolo) failed to honour their invitation. This clearly shows how desperate the government wanted to nail him to the cross by all means. It also became obvious that every investments, starting with the Nigeria Maritime University, that was attracted to the region by Tompolo would be abandoned. Calls were even made for him to return money paid for the sale of properties of Mienka Diving Institute that was to ease the smooth take-off of academic activities of the maritime university pending when the permanent site would be ready as work-in-progress were ongoing.

Last year, I had said it before times without number that all these drama of calling for Tompolo's arrest was for the smooth arrest of former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) as he (Tompolo) is perceived as one of GEJ's strongest allies, likely to protest that action. And also a move to silence every opposition in the southern region for smooth winning of the 2019 election.

Having tricked Nigerians with the change propaganda and succeeded, they believe they can continue with their evil schematic plans but Nigerians are now wiser; they now know better.

Whether Tompolo chooses to obey the call to present himself in court or not, we as a people, particularly from the Niger-Delta extraction say 'NO!' to it. We must never allow them to take him into their custody as the mystery of the death of Isaac Adaka Boro is still fresh in our memory. The likes of Tompolo will be hard to surface in our region for the next one thousand years. It is clear that most agitators or militants who are claiming to be fighting for the people of the oppressed Niger Delta only do so with a selfish interest at heart. None of them has openly displayed the goodwill that has been exhibited by the former warlord; rather most have joined the government of the day to betray him and to call for his prosecution. If they want Tompolo arrested, then they should as well arrest us all!

The time for true federalism is now! Whether the north likes it or not, we are no longer in the 60's and 70's, this is the information age. Now that we know better, we refuse to be their slaves. With Tompolo we stand! Anybody who doesn't like this, for all I know, s/he can go to hell, I don't give a damn.