NIMASA contracts tear Okerenkoko community apart
* Kinsmen disown Tompolo
The people of Okerenkoko community under the aegis of Okerenko National Development Forum (ONDF) have disowned and barred Chief Government Ekpemukpolo (aka Tompolo) over his alleged greed and neglect of those who were said to have fought with him during the struggle for the emancipation of the communities.
Located in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, Okerenkoko, is home to both Tompolo and present Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi. The community was bombarded in 2009 by the Joint Task Force on Niger Delta during the manhunt for the ex-militant leader, Tompolo.
ONDF claimed that Tompolo hijacked all the projects being executed in Okerenkoko by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) especially the construction of the NIMASA Marine College in the community, claiming that he only uses his brothers and nephews to execute jobs at the detriment of others.
In a letter signed by its Chairman, Michael Johnny; the Vice Chairman, Bullet Otuaro; Secretary, Ikpesan Anthony, and 12 others and addressed to President Goodluck Jonathan, ONDF stated that it has reviewed “the antics of Ekpemukpolo over the years and concluded that he is indeed a very greedy man with parochial interest to enrich himself and his immediate family to the detriment of the people of Okerenkoko and the entire Gbaramatu kingdom.”
The letter read in part: “Such a man is not worthy to be associated with. Tompolo would no longer be allowed to continue enslaving our people, and because of that the entire leaders and youths of Okerenkoko, have unanimously disowned and barred Tompolo from representing or discussing any issue concerning Okerenkoko Federated Communities on behalf of us.
“From this day, 21st January, 2014, let it be known to the Federal Government, Delta State Government, security and other government agencies such as NIMASA, including oil companies and the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company or any company coming to Okerenkoko that henceforth they should be dealing directly with the leadership of Okerenkoko Community and its various communities. Any attempt to undermine our position would lead to unrest in the area, as we are more ready to take our destinies into hands. And we are also warning Tompolo to stay clear from Okerenkoko and should never again interfere in the affairs of the community.”
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