The Ijaws of Warri Federal Constituency in Delta State has described as "a dangerous falsehood" the claim that High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo is having issues with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, over the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward delineation in the Constituency that comprises Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North local government areas.

In an open letter signed by Comrade Edisemi Oyobu Yiki, for and on behalf of Ijaws of Warri Federal Constituency, and directed at one Mr. Yemi Otuedon and other Itsekiris, the group debunked the claim being peddled and alleged it was an attempt to cause conflict among leaders, noting that Tompolo is yet to issue any statement or take any action on the ward delineation.

"We, the undersigned Ijaw leaders, elders, women, and youths of Warri South-West, Warri South, and Warri North LGAs, are compelled to write this letter to correct a dangerous falsehood currently being peddled in political quarters.

"It has been brought to our attention that certain persons are spreading claims that High Chief Government EkpemuKpolo (sic), alias Tompolo, has issues with His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Her Excellency the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, because of the ongoing INEC ward delineation issues in Warri Federal Constituency.

"We state categorically and without equivocation: this claim is false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to score cheap political points by pitching respected leaders against one another. Tompolo has not, directly or indirectly, made any statement, taken any action, or authorized any person to suggest that he is in conflict with Mr. President or the First Lady over ward delineation or any other matter," the group stated.

The group reaffirmed Tompolo's commitment to peace in the Niger Delta and attracting development to it as evidenced with the exploits of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in securing national assets in the oil and gas sector which has boosted oil production.

"High Chief Tompolo remains a respected leader of the Ijaw nation and a committed partner in Nigeria’s peace and economic stability. His contributions through Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited have been pivotal to securing national oil assets, boosting crude production, and supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. He has consistently demonstrated loyalty to the Federal Government and has publicly identified with the administration’s efforts to develop the Niger Delta.

"To now suggest that the same Tompolo who guards Nigeria’s pipelines is secretly fighting the President and First Lady is not only illogical, but a wicked fabrication designed to create tension where none exists. In Ijaw land, we do not bite the hand that feeds us, and we do not repay goodwill with hostility."

However, on the Warri Federal Constituency, the group accused INEC for playing double standards in its implementation of the report from the ward delineation exercise.

"For the avoidance of doubt, We Ijaws do have legitimate concerns about the ward delineation. we believe INEC is playing dangerous double standard in implementing the ward delineation report in Warri Federal Constituency. Our question is why was the 1998 delineation report implemented because it favours the itsekiris, but the 2026 delineation that corrects the historical imbalance is being delayed because it did not favour the itsekiris," they questioned.

The group therefore warned Mr. Otuedon and those peddling false narratives or using Tompolo's name to instigate conflict to desist henceforth, or be met with legal action, especially as such action poses a threat to peace in Warri and Delta State at large.

"We therefore send this strong warning to all political merchants, rumor peddlers, and ethnic opportunists: Stop using Tompolo’s name to create conflict. Tompolo has no problem with the First Lady. The Ijaw women of Warri remember her past outreach to the Niger Delta and hold her in high regard as a mother of the nation. Tompolo has no problem with Mr. President. He has met with him, supported him, and continues to protect the national assets that fund this government. Anyone claiming otherwise is lying for personal gain, and we will no longer tolerate it.

"We have resolved that any further attempt to link Tompolo to anti-government activity will be met with legal action for defamation and petition to security agencies for incitement. 

"Mr. Yemi Otuedon, we urge you to shut down this false narrative before it poisons the fragile peace in Warri. Let all stakeholders focus on facts, not fiction. Let INEC be allowed to do its work, let the courts adjudicate, and let politicians stop manufacturing enemies for Tompolo. The Ijaw nation wants development, not division. We stand for peace, we stand with Nigeria, and we stand with the rule of law. History is watching. May God bless Mr. President, bless the First Lady, bless Delta State, and expose every tongue that rises in judgment against the unity of our land," they concluded.

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