Relief for President Jonathan at last. We almost thought he’d lost the entire MEND constituency.
In less than two weeks, three of the president’s staunchest supporters – Asari Dokubo, Ateke Tom, and Victor Ebikademor (aka Boyloaf) – came out to strongly condemn the leadership of the president describing it as a “huge embarrassment” and a “threat to their patience.” All that was left for us to confirm that the wr it was Armageddon was for Chief Edwin Clark to join in.
However, another ex-militant leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), has come out to back the president, calling for peace between President Goodluck Jonathan and former MEND leaders.
According to reports:
The trio’s outburst has led to concerns that the hitherto robust relationship between the Federal Government and the ex-militants has degenerated.
There are rumours that the latest tension between the President and his kinsmen may not be unconnected with the Federal Government’s refusal to renew the pipeline surveillance contracts awarded to former militants.
Although Tompolo refused to condemn his former colleagues, he said: “There’s a need for all Niger Deltans to rally round Mr. President on the way forward.”
He spoke through his media aide, Paul Bebenimibo, saying, “I beg to differ from them on their assessment of Mr. President.”
Tompolo conceded that all interest groups have genuine reasons to be dissatisfied.
He urged those who have better ideas on how to improve the nation to proffer solutions rather than ‘attack’ the President.
“While we cannot speak for the President because we are not his spokespersons, there is the need for cooperation to develop the region.”
Tompolo described the slow pace of work on the East/West Road as a cause of concern and advised those saddled with the responsibility to be rise to the challenge.
“As a Niger Delta leader, Tompolo is committed to the development of the region and we agree that there is a lot to be done to achieve this.
“We also feel that that the President needs the support of not only Niger Deltans, but all Nigerians, because the task before him is onerous.
“We would, therefore, like to suggest that we give him time as he has promised to increase the pace this year,” he added.
