Tompolo Calls for Cancellation of Planned Nationwide Protest
WARRI/Nigeria: High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has urged the organizers of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1st to 10th, 2024, to cancel their plans. In a press statement released on Friday, August 26th, 2024, Tompolo acknowledged the widespread hunger and hardship in Nigeria but appealed for the protest to be shelved in the interest of national stability.
Addressing the nation, Tompolo noted the challenging economic conditions but emphasized that the current administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is diligently working to revive the economy with strategic policies and programs aimed at addressing the root causes of economic and security issues.
“I am aware of Mr. President’s efforts to get things right in the country, and truly things are getting better,” Tompolo stated. “For instance, there is great improvement in the oil and gas sector in the last year, which remains the main source of our economy.”
Tompolo acknowledged the right of citizens to protest government policies, recognizing it as a vital aspect of democratic participation. However, he cautioned that the timing of the proposed protest is ill-advised and could be counterproductive. Citing security reports, he warned that the protest might be hijacked by malicious elements, potentially causing more harm than good.
“It is against this background that I have joined other patriotic Nigerians to appeal to prospective protesters to call off the proposed protest and engage governments at all levels to find lasting solutions to the country’s problems,” Tompolo urged.
He further stressed that the mere threat of protest has already achieved its purpose, as President Tinubu has acknowledged the grievances of the people. “After all, it is better to jaw-jaw than to war-war,” he concluded.
Tompolo’s appeal aligns with calls from various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, who emphasize dialogue and constructive engagement over protests to address Nigeria’s pressing issues.
Here is the Full Press Statement:
Proposed Hardship Protest in Nigeria
I wish to add my voice to all well-meaning Nigerians, including our revert traditional rulers, on the call to shelve the proposed hardship protest billed to start on August first, 2024. It is true that there is hunger and hardship in the country. However, it must be pointed out that the hunger and hardship did not start today. But obviously, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working hard to revamp the economy with well thought out policies and programmes in addressing the issues of the economy and security, which are the bases of other problems in the country. I am aware of Mr President’s efforts to get things right in the country, and truly things are getting better. For instance, there is great improvement in the oil and gas sector in the last one year, which is still the main source of our economy.
I am aware of the right of the citizenry to protest government policies and programmes in any country. It is one sure way for the citizens to participate effectively in governance, by checking the excesses of any government. However, the organizers of this proposed hardship protest must know that the timing is wrong, and the protest may cause more harm and good, as security reports have indicated that the protest will be hijacked by unscrupulous elements.
It is against this background, that I have joined other Patriotic Nigerians to appeal to prospective protesters to call off the proposed protest and engage governments at all levels to find lasting solutions to the country’s problems. You must agree with me that the threat for protest only, has achieved its aim, as Mr President has said it loud and clear, that he has heard the voice of prospective protesters. Afterall, it is better to jaw jaw than to war war.
Signed:
High Chief Dr Government Ekpemupolo, Alias Tompolo
The Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation
The Chairman of Tantita Security Nigeria Limited
26/07/2024