…As Tompolo Desperate Quest For Immunity Amidst Oil Theft And Human Rights Abuse Allegations 

In a surprising turn of events, former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo, has emerged as an unlikely social media influencer and unofficial campaign manager for President Bola Tinubu. Despite the absence of an official campaign period, Tompolo's aggressive online presence and public appearances in support of the President have sparked intense speculation and debate.

Sources close to the situation suggest that Tompolo's newfound enthusiasm for the Tinubu administration may be motivated by fear of potential repercussions for his alleged past crimes. The former militant leader stands accused of numerous human rights abuses, including operating a private prison, forced labor, human trafficking, and ritual killings. Additionally, Tompolo faces allegations of involvement in illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region.

Tompolo, who was controversially awarded the pipeline security contract by the federal government, stands accused of being at the center of Nigeria’s oil theft crisis. Despite his role in safeguarding the nation’s oil infrastructure, investigations reveal that he has allegedly been complicit in the theft of crude oil, working in cahoots with certain officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). This collusion, reportedly involving former NNPCL boss Mele Kyari, has been blamed for the persistent decline in Nigeria’s oil production. To divert attention from these activities, Tompolo is said to have targeted innocent Niger Deltans, detaining them in his private prison and subjecting them to forced labor, human trafficking, and even ritual killings.  

Tompolo’s alleged atrocities have not gone unnoticed. Leaders in the Niger Delta, including Amayanabo Asari Dokubo, Chief Bibopere Ajube, and Chief Ebikabowei Victor Ben (aka Boyloaf), who have historically supported President Tinubu, have reportedly been sidelined by Tompolo’s aggressive maneuvers. By allegedly blackmailing these figures, Tompolo has positioned himself as a key player in the region’s political landscape. However, his actions have only deepened the mistrust and resentment among the people of the Niger Delta.  

Tompolo’s past actions further complicate his current political posturing. During the 2023 presidential election, he did not vote for Tinubu and was rumored to have worked against him. Despite this, Tinubu emerged victorious, leaving many to wonder why Tompolo is now seeking to align himself with the President. Critics argue that his sudden support is a calculated attempt to deceive Tinubu, regain control of the lucrative pipeline security contract, and secure immunity for his alleged crimes.  

Tompolo’s reputation has been further tarnished by his alleged role in inciting violence in the Niger Delta. The crisis between the Okoloba and Okuama communities were about five youths was murdered by Tompolo’s Tantita Security boys in Okoloba community, these issues was not properly managed and resolve and later resulted one way or the other in the deaths Nigerian Soldiers in Okuama, the burning of Okuama community, the killing of several youths in Ogbamotoro Bayelsa State, has been attributed to Tompolo’s machinations. Eyewitnesses claim that his actions were aimed at consolidating power and control over the region, even at the cost of innocent lives.  

In Bayelsa State, Tompolo’s alleged crimes have left a trail of devastation. He is accused of kidnapping two prominent Bayelsans, Charles Korubo and Bala Karowei, who remain missing and are feared dead. Despite these allegations, Tompolo has reportedly been campaigning for Tinubu in the state, a move that has been met with widespread anger with many Bayelsans view his actions as an insult to their collective suffering and have vowed to reject any political agenda associated with Tompolo at the right time.  

Tompolo’s political ambitions have also faced backlash in other parts of the Niger Delta. His attempt to organize a “one million man march” in Ondo State was met with fierce criticism, with activists like Comrade Moleye accusing him of overstepping his boundaries. Critics argue that Tompolo’s involvement in Tinubu’s campaign could backfire, as his tarnished reputation and alleged crimes make him a liability rather than an asset.  

Tompolo’s track record in politics further undermines his credibility. In the last election cycle, all candidates associated with Tompolo in Bayelsa State suffered crushing defeats, from the House of Assembly to the governorship races. This poor performance, coupled with his alleged human rights violations, has led many to question his ability to deliver electoral victories for the President.  

Moreover, Tompolo’s handling of the pipeline security contract that just expired has been marred by controversy. Instead of training his operatives to act professionally, he allegedly recruited individuals with criminal backgrounds, including armed robbers, assassins, and drug addicts. This lack of oversight has resulted in widespread abuses, including the beating, kidnapping, and beheading of innocent Nigerians.  

As Tompolo continues his political maneuvering, President Tinubu is being urged to tread carefully. Allowing Tompolo to campaign on his behalf could alienate key stakeholders in the Niger Delta and jeopardize the President’s chances in the region. Leaders in Bayelsa, Rivers, and Ondo States have already expressed their dissatisfaction with Tompolo’s actions, warning that his involvement could lead to electoral losses.  

In the end, Tompolo’s desperate bid for redemption appears to be driven by fear rather than genuine loyalty. His alleged crimes, coupled with his poor political track record, make him a controversial figure whose involvement in the President’s campaign could do more harm than good. As the political landscape heats up, the question remains: will President Tinubu see through Tompolo’s facade, or will he fall victim to Tompolo’s cunning schemes? Only time will tell.

Timipre Agalabiri Writing From Baylesa State