MOSIEND, NBM commend FG for awarding surveillance contract to Tompolo

*Advise ex-MEND leader against recycling old hands

Odahiekwu Ogunde, Yenagoa

The Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) and the New Bayelsa Movement (NBM) have applauded the Federal Government for the renewal of pipeline security and surveillance contract to Chief Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo.

The Federal Government had renewed a multi-million dollar pipeline surveillance contract to Tompolo, a former militant leader and Commander of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND).

The government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) signed the deal with Tompolo to end illegal bunkering, illegal refining and other forms of oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Extolling the Federal Government, President, MOSIEND, Kennedy Tonjo-West, described the award of such contract to Tompolo as a step in the right direction.

He noted that the ex-MEND Commander, who is an illustrious son of the Niger Delta, is passionate and had contributed in no small measure towards the peace, unity and development of the region.

He said Tompolo had never hidden his detest for oil theft and illegal bunkering, the menace that is polluting the rivers, killing aquatic lives and degrading the environment with black soots and other diseases.

Tonjo-West said: “Tompolo has resolved the intractable inter and intra conflicts across states and communities in the Niger Delta thereby enthroning sustainable peace in the region.

“We have no doubt about Tompolo’s competence, capacity, reach and ability to deliver on the mandate and terms of reference given him, as he has all it takes to effectively manage men and resources to drastically reduce oil theft to its barest minimum and save the government the huge losses arising from such illicit activities.

“We, however, urge the Federal Government to expand the scope of participation of the job to allow for competition thus encouraging competence.”

Also felecitating Tompolo for the contract win, spokesman for NBM, Comrade Doubra Sien, said the award underscored the ex-warlord’s efforts in championing peace and security thereby changing the narrative of the region.

Sien said: “Sir, you’ve marvellously done well in uniting Bayelsa youths who have been eager to effect changes in the system. The New Bayelsa Movement is confident in your leadership and we are ready to rally round you in the quest to effect changes in the entire struggle as it concerns the people.

“Most importantly, we are concerned about recycling of old leaders who have done more harm than good to the youths. It is on this premise that we urge you to consider the young, vibrant and fresh names into the system rather the usual old leaders in the state who play politics at all times with the development of the people.

“Your recent assignment is a manifestation that you have distinguished yourself among leaders in our region, most of whom are self-centered and politically selfish along party lines.”

He said the NBM is a conglomerate of youths who are satisfied in Tompolo’s leadership style and ever willing to mobilise and support him to achieve the needed results in his job description.

Sien added: “We are resilient in our quest to keep Bayelsa State safe and secure to attain peace and prosperity in the state. We will work with you and propagate the dream of reclaiming our territories and repositioning the youths.

“The entire Bayelsa youths are intact and willingly ready to shun indiscriminate lifestyle and contribute to development of the state and the nation at large.”