Government Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo has said that Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari will not know peace if the Niger Delta region knows no peace.
Tompolo who was reacting to allegations that he attacked oil installations in Warri area of Delta state threatened the number one citizen of Nigeria after stating his readiness to corporate with the federal government.
The reasons why the ex-militant drew the Niger Delta region into his differences with the federal government is unclear but the ex-warlord might be on collision course with the government over his statement.
“Well, I am sure this is what President Buhari is looking for. He should allow the people of the Niger Delta region to know peace, otherwise he will not know peace as well,” Tompolo said in the last paragraph of his statement issued by Paul Bebenimibo, his media aide.
Reacting to allegations that he was responsible for bombing oil installations in Warri, he said: “I am not responsible for the attack and I condemn it as a dastardly act. I am aware that some persons might want to destroy oil installations and link it with me that was why I said before time that I have nothing to do with it.
“I could not have gone ahead to carry out such action knowing that every finger will be pointed at me because of my case with the Federal Government.”
Meanwhile, Chevron Nigeria Limited and other oil companies in the riverside areas of Delta state shut down their operations on Saturday after another wanton destruction of oil facilities crippled a large portion of production.
It was gathered that the major crude and gas line to the Chevron Tank Farm in Escravos were hit overnight by militants in the wake of the arrest warrant issued by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos against Tompolo.
Although Tompolo denied responsibility for the earlier attack on Friday morning, sources in the area and security operatives believe that he is masterminding the attacks.
The attack started hours after an arrest order was issued on him by a Federal High Court.
It was gathered that major assets of Chevron and other indigenous oil firms in the area were hit in the overnight attacks.
It was learnt that the gas line from Olero creeks to Escravos were hit.
The main crude line from Makaraba through Otunana, Abiteye and others were also reportedly put out of operation by the hoodlums.
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