I was under pressure to convene meeting – Tompolo

MEND ASSEMBLY ABORTED!
YENAGOA- LEADER of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta, MEND, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, explained, yesterday, that he summoned today’s meeting the of the militant group in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, because of the overpowering pressure mounted on him and other MEND leaders by ex-agitators and other beneficiaries of the Amnesty Programme.

Tompolo confirmed there was apprehension in Ijaw land over the continued delay by the Federal Government in paying monthly stipends to the beneficiaries, adding that whilst some of them, leaders, understood the reason for the noticeable delay apparently caused by the scrutiny of government agencies, including the Amnesty Office, majority of the beneficiaries did not see it in that light.

His words, “While a few see the delay in the payment of their monthly stipends in the light of the need for the current government to settle in properly, others see the delay as a template to stop the programme. The expulsion of some students (home and overseas) by their schools and training institutions particularly has heightened these fears.”

The ex-militant leader, who is the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Izon nation is, however, flabbergasted that a section of the media mischievously linked the meeting to the stoppage of the his pipeline surveillance contract, even though payment had not been made for the services rendered in the renewed contract, or termination of appointments.

Describing is it as highly provocative and despicable; he said he was considering calling off the meeting, if anything, to show that he had no bad intention and would want Niger Delta to remain peaceful under the President Muhammadu Buhari government.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that leaders across the region had called Tompolo, yesterday, advising him to cancel the meeting, as the intention was likely to be misconstrued.

However, the group of MEND, which refused to disband after Tompolo and others disbanded the militant group in 2009, yesterday, in a statement by Jomo Gbomo, distanced itself from the meeting.

Why I called meeting – Tompolo
Tompolo’s statement: “I am compelled to clarify issues as they relate to the meeting of the leadership of ex-agitators under the platform of MEND and other organizations summoned at my instance.”

“The nation would recall that in the build- up to the Amnesty offer of the late President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, there was hesitance on the part of most of Niger Delta agitators until God in His infinite mercy granted me wisdom to provide leadership.

“The nation will also recall that under the Amnesty programme as inherited by the immediate past president, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, relative peace was enjoyed even as security of lives and property was enhanced to an appreciable level. Also, oil production increased from 700 barrels per day to 2.5million barrels per day. Put simply, hitherto aggrieved Niger-Delta youths, who inadvertently became agitators, upon the acceptance of the Amnesty offer, refrained from armed agitation to face normal urban life,” he said.

He added, “Nonetheless, while some of us understand to an extent, the apparent delay in the continued payment of the monthly stipend to the ex-agitators in view of the seeming scrutiny of government agencies, including the Amnesty Office by the current administration, same cannot be said of the majority of beneficiaries of the Amnesty programme.”

“To this extent, some of us, particularly me and other leaders have been under intense pressure from ex-agitators, commanders, individuals, parents and guardians as well as communities who are beneficiaries of the Amnesty programme.

“While a few see the delay in the payment of their monthly stipends in the light of the need for the current government to settle in properly, others see the delay as a template to stop the programme. The expulsion of some students (home and overseas) by their schools and training institutions particularly has heightened these fears,” he stated.

His words, “Hence, I thought it wise that a meeting of the collegiate leadership of the platform under which we operated as agitators could be convened to appraise the situation and possibly, explore means to douse the tension that is growing among the disarmed youths whose stipends (training allowances and tuition fees) have been delayed for months.”

“This becomes more compelling in view of the fact that as leaders of the platform that served as midwife to the Amnesty offer, we owe the nation a duty to play our roles in order to stem a relapse of the relative peace in the Niger Delta region,” he said.

…Blasts media

Tompolo said it was unfortunate that a section of the Nigerian nation and the media chose to tread the path of misinforming the public and right -thinking people on the purpose of the meeting.

He said they linked the meeting to “whatever decision the current government at the centre may have taken in relation to the stoppage of the pipeline surveillance contract, even though payment have not been made for the services rendered in the renewed contract, or termination of appointments. This is highly provocative and despicable.”

According to him, “The tension generated by the meeting is uncalled for, diversionary and mischievous as no evil is intended in whatever form.”

“We appreciate the pressures being mounted by leaders from the region, especially as some have expressed concern that the meeting could be misinterpreted to mean the resurgence of hostilities in the region,” he said, adding, “We say, it is not.”

He asserted, “However, we take into account the fact that having embraced peace and remained supportive of various governments at all levels, including the President Muhammadu Buhari government, we are surprised that a meeting of ex-agitators could prop anxiety.”

“Hence, we shall ensure our genuine intentions are reflected in our attitude towards peace, security and development of the region. Calling off today’s meeting can also be an option if need be, in order to strengthen our belief in a peaceful Niger Delta,” he said.

Jomo Gbomo MEND backs Buhari

The section of Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) that refused to break up dissociated itself from “the purported meeting of ‘MEND/Ex-MEND Leaders,’ scheduled to hold July 25, 2015, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.”

In a statement by Jomo Gbomo, it said, “MEND wishes to state categorically that the proposed meeting is merely an assembly of dubious contractors and disgruntled elements, reacting on behalf of oil thieves and corrupt officials of the past administration of Goodluck Jonathan.”

“The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) reaffirms our support for President Buhari and his government’s courage to probe the immediate past Goodluck Jonathan administration, which should also include the office of the Ex-President, the former First Lady and the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme.

“MEND wishes to reiterate our commitment to the Niger Delta struggle which has no relationship with seeking political appointments, power or contracts,” the group added.

Ijaw House not prepared to host meeting

Contrary to reports of heightened tension in Yenagoa, over today’s (Saturday) meeting, the capital city was calm with residents going about their legitimate duties.

Also, the Ijaw House, venue of the proposed meeting, which hosts the secretariats of the Ijaw National Congress INC, the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, as well as the Ministry of Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, was quiet and devoid of security presence.

Aside the police patrol vehicle that is always stationed in front of the Heroes Park, close to the Ijaw House, where the late Ijaw hero, Major Isaac Adaka Boro and former National Security Adviser, Gen Owoye Azazi, were buried, there was no security build up in the area.

When Saturday Vanguard visited the Ijaw House, Friday, the place was flooded due to the Thursday’s heavy downpour experienced across the state and it did not cut the picture of a place billed to host event of such magnitude.

Most workers at the complex were not aware of the meeting when asked by our correspondent ostensibly due to the absence of security within and outside the premises.

The organisers of the event have not contacted the Ministry of Culture and Ijaw National Affair, which oversees the Ijaw House complex for the use of its hall for the event, Saturday Vanguard learned.

The Commissioner, Dr. Felix Tuodolo, confirmed this. He said, “We have not been contacted about the use of the hall.”

Police, JTF battle-ready
When contacted on likely involvement of soldiers as part of security beef up at the venue of the meeting, spokesperson of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, codenamed Operation Pulo Shield, Lt. Col Isa Ado, said officially, the task force was not aware of any meeting.

“We have not been informed. We only read it in the newspapers. The JTF is always on alert in line with its mandate and guideline of operation in the Niger Delta,” he said.

Also contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, said though the organizers of the meeting had not made any official request for security, police always stationed a patrol vehicle close to the Ijaw House for security reasons, adding that there was no cause for alarm.