•Tompolo
High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a Tompolo, has denied several newspapers advertorials allegedly placed by him and Tantita Security Services Limited, celebrating President Bola Tinubu just as he affirmed that he stood by the president’s directives.
It could be recalled that President Tinubu had warned against celebrating his birthday owing to current situation in the country, reports Saturday Independent.
Tompolo’s denial was contained in a statement signed by Dr Paul Bebenimibo, his Media Consultant.
According to the statement, “the attention of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL)has been drawn to adverts placed in front and inside pages of some Nigerian Newspapers celebrating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at 72 years today (yesterday).
“For the records, High Chief Tompolo did not place any advert to celebrate Mr. President in the media. He also did not instruct anyone to do so on his behalf.
“This is owing to Mr President’s instruction that no one should organise birthday party or place advert to celebrate him in the media, as a result of the state of the Nation. That such money should be given as alms to the less privileged in the society.
“High Chief Ekpemupolo bought the idea of Mr President wholeheartedly, hence he heed the warning and instruction of Mr. President. High Chief Ekpemupolo believes in Mr. President’s capacity in working toward repositioning of the country for steady economic growth and prosperity.
“It is against this background that High Chief Ekpemupolo keyed into the policy thrust of Mr. President, by working in synergy with security agencies to totally eradicate illegal crude oil activities in Niger Delta region for maximum productivity for economic prosperity.
“We wish to emphasis that high Chief Ekpemupolo did not place any advert to celebrate Mr. President. Those behind these adverts placement may have done this in good faith, but may not be aware of the consequences of their action. It is our position that it is a grave error and insensitivity to the current state of things in Nigeria.
“High Chief Ekpemupolo expresses his deep regret for this action and also apologise on behalf of those who placed the adverts to Mr. President for any embarrassment this action must have cost him. It is highly regretted,” he added.
