Bayelsa Politics: Ex-Militant Chief Warns Tompolo
Former militant chief, Ekpemupolo, commonly called ‘General’ Tompolo, has been warned by a former Niger Delta militant leader in Bayelsa state, Africanus Ukparasia, ‘General Africa’ to stay clear of Bayelsa politics.
Ukparasia gave the warning in Yenegoa on Wednesday, November 25, when he reacted to reports that Tompolo was planning to interfere in the December 5 gubernatorial election in the state.
He said that this warning become necessary due to intelligence report indicating that Tompolo has allegedly put in motion a strike squad to attack Baylesa during the election. The militant’s lord added that the aim of the attack is to hijack election materials and use it to rig for a particular candidate, The Punch reports.
Ukparasia stressed further Tompolo had allegedly attacked some parts of the state in the past.
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He narrated how Tompolo had in April 20, 2007 attacked the government jetty area and also attempted to bomb the government house before he was being repelled by the military.
The militant boss pointed out that Tompolo’s foot soldiers had attacked the home of the immediate past president, Goodluck Jonathan in May 17, 2007.
Ukparsia explained that Tompolo allegedly deployed some of his boys in the state to disrupt the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Bayelsa saying that three of the ex-militant’s boys were arrested by the Department of State Services.
However, in a swift response, Tompolo, who spoke through his spokesman, Paul Bebenimibo, said Africa is just ranting and talking rubbish.
Bebenimibo wondered why Africa is making “wild, unsubstantiated and spurious allegations” against Tompolo who the spokesman described as a peaceful man.
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He said: “Who is Africa? What are his roles in Bayelsa election? Is he a contestant in the election? Is he a Federal Government, police, DSS, military or what?
“Who is he to get a report about High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo)? As far as we are concerned, we do not understand what he is saying. He is not making any sense at all.
“My boss has nothing to do with Bayelsa election. We do not know his (Africa) relationship with Bayelsa election and for such a person to allege that Tompolo is planning to disrupt Bayelsa poll is senseless, unfortunate and unthinkable. The allegation does not make any sense to us.”
Source: Legit.ng
