...As NDPM Demand That Surveillance Contracts Be Distributed Fairly Among Stakeholders In Each State

The Niger Delta, Nigeria's oil-rich region, is once again embroiled in controversy as accusations of corruption, violence, and power struggles among ex-militant leaders come to light. Ebimene Tokowei, spokesperson for the Niger Delta People Mandate, has issued a message to the government, urging immediate action to prevent further escalation of tensions in the volatile region.

At the center of the storm is Government Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo, a former militant leader turned government contractor. Tokowei alleges that Tompolo has systematically manipulated the allocation of lucrative surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta, sidelining other ex-militant leaders and concentrating power and wealth in his own hands.

Regarding the Niger Delta struggle, Tompolo's involvement was minimal. After Amayanabo Asari who took up arms against the system, It was Boyloaf who transformed the movement into a professional endeavor, with strong support from figures like King Ateke Tom and others. Their efforts elevated the struggle to a level where the federal government was compelled to acknowledge it, sue for peace, and create opportunities for development and gave birth to the President Amnesty Programme. Tompolo, in essence, was merely a beneficiary of this struggle. However, today, Tompolo has appropriated the benefits meant for all, turning them into advantages for his family and personal business interests.

According to Tokowei, the roots of the current crisis can be traced back to the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. During this period, Tompolo allegedly blackmailed other ex-agitators, claiming they were ineffective, and successfully lobbied for the termination of their contracts. This move, Tokowei asserts, allowed Tompolo to monopolize the surveillance contracts.

The spokesperson recounts a particularly contentious incident involving high-profile ex-militant leaders such as Asari Dokubo, Boyloaf and others. When approached about sharing a multi-million dollar contract awarded by the Jonathan administration, Tompolo allegedly refused, claiming the job was his alone.

When the late Captain Osa was fully in charge of the surveillance jobs at a time, Boyloaf and others went to the DSS director back then and agitated that why will jobs meant for ex-agitators be given to politicians. When Captain passes on, the job was now given to ex-agitators with Tompolo being at the forefront to carry everyone along. Tompolo had a discussion with the likes of Boyloaf at Oporoza and how the job will be done after agreeing on some certain terms. Again, Tompolo, on his mischievous character, sidelined Boyloaf totally, disregarded others, and treated them badly.

Tokowei paints a picture of ongoing manipulation and marginalization. He claims that when the surveillance contracts were renewed, Tompolo continued his divisive tactics, offering "peanuts" to some leaders while sharing billions with politicians. Notable figures like King Ateke Tom and Asari Dokubo were reportedly insulted by the meager offerings, while Boyloaf was completely sidelined for over three years.

The accusations against Tompolo go beyond financial impropriety. Tokowei alleges that Tompolo operates a private prison where innocent Niger Delta people are held on false charges of illegal oil bunkering. These prisoners are reportedly subjected to abuse, forced labor, and in some cases,persons have lost their lives.

Perhaps most alarmingly, Tokowei claims that Tompolo has been involved in kidnapping and assassination activities in Bayelsa State. He cites the ongoing captivity of Charles Korubo and Bala Karowei as examples of Tompolo's alleged criminal activities and in Rivers State some persons were beheaded by Tompolo Tantita Personnels.

Tompolo, sought to exert control over power and surveillance jobs operations, triggering a crisis in the Okuama community in Delta State. This crisis resulted in the death of Nigerian soldiers and extended same crisis to Ogbomotoru community in Bayelsa State, leading to the loss of several innocent lives in the community. 

The spokesperson also accuses Tompolo of engaging in large-scale oil theft while using smaller operations as a smokescreen to deceive the public and security forces. He alleges that Tompolo collaborates with officials in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in these illegal activities.

Tokowei's statements paint a grim picture of the situation in the Niger Delta, suggesting that Tompolo's actions have created a powder keg of resentment and potential violence. He warns that if left unchecked, these issues could spiral into uncontrollable conflict in the region.

The Niger Delta People Mandate is calling on the Federal Government to take immediate action. They demand that surveillance contracts be distributed fairly among stakeholders in each state, rather than concentrated in Tompolo's hands. Furthermore, they urge a thorough investigation into the numerous allegations against Tompolo and his associates.

As tensions continue to simmer in the Niger Delta, all eyes are now on the Federal Government's response to these serious accusations. The stability of this crucial region, and by extension, Nigeria's oil industry, may hang in the balance.