A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari, to heed Tompolo’s 7-Day ultimatum given to reconstitute of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Ex-Niger Delta war lord, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, had issued the ultimatum on Sunday May 30, requesting Buhari and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, to reconstitute the NDDC board or face a breakdown of law and order in the Niger Delta. The ultimatum expires on Sunday, June 6.
However, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, Frank enjoined Buhari to urgently address issues raised by Tompolo, ex-leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND.
While describing Tompolo as a well respected leader in the region who hardly spoke but kept his words whenever he does, the APC chieftain noted that, “High Chief Tompolo is not one of those Niger Delta leaders to be ignored.
“So, we advise the Federal Government to address the issues raised with all the urgency it deserves to avoid dire consequences.”
Frank said his plea was in the best interest of the country that will be the biggest loser, should Buhari fail to act on the demands in Tompolo’ 7-Day ultimatum and other prominent youth leaders and elders in the region.
He called on the President Buhari to immediately sack Godswill Akpabio as the Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, saying Akpabio’s stint as minister has brought only pains to the people of the region.
“Therefore, General Buhari should immediately sack the current Sole Administrator of the NDDC and appoint a substantive board that will genuinely represent the people of the Niger Delta.
“The sack of Akpabio and the inauguration of a substantive board that will bring peace to the region had become imperative,” he said.
Noting that governors of states in the Niger Delta region had also demanded a new board for the NDDC and supported by youth leaders, elders and other stakeholders,
Frank said “The only person that has opposed the reconstitution of the board is Akpabio, who is running a one man show and has turned the NDDC to his personal tank farm; reason, he is against the reconstitution of a new NDDC board”.
He added, “We are not just calling for his immediate sack Akpabio should not to hide under the forensic audit as the new board will not stop the forensic audit.
“Akpabio is taking advantage of the poverty and hunger in the region to gather and induce leaders and youths to support his gross illegalities at the NDDC.
“We are well aware that since Tompolo made that statement, Akpabio has been making overtures towards him but we also know that Tompolo will not allow that to happen in the best interest and wellbeing of the people.
“We know him too well and also believe in his capabilities and capacity as a respected and highly recognized leader of the Ijaw nation and the people of the Niger Delta at large.
“Our father and leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark and the governors of the region, including youth leaders have all lend their voices to the call for the reconstitution of the NDDC Board.
“This is why the federal government must, as a matter of urgency, listen to Tompolo as he is a man of his words, whenever he speaks.
“We have confidence in you, Tompolo. Don’t let us down in this ultimatum like other leaders that spoke in the past without action.
“People are looking forward to you because they believe in your leadership. Don’t back down or withdraw. If the government fails to act after the ultimatum, back your words with necessary action.”
