tompolo

Tompolo

For former Niger Delta militant, Government Ekpemupolo, otherwise known as Tompolo, power will not remain the same after May 29 when Buhari takes over government.

In 2009, he was declared the most wanted man in Nigeria by the Joint Task Force for allegedly killing 11 soldiers but his story has since changed following the amnesty he received from President Umaru Yar’Adua and his closeness to Jonathan.

So powerful is the ex-militant that not only did he ensure that his younger brother was made a local government chairman in Delta State, he reportedly nominated the current Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Ziadeke Akpobolokemi.

NIMASA awarded a N15bn contract to Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, a firm widely believed to be owned by Tompolo, to supply 20 vessels for the use of the nation’s military authorities to secure the waterways.

So powerful he is that he even stopped the President from going to Delta State to inaugurate the Export Processing Zone following a misunderstanding with Itsekiri leaders. He reportedly influenced Jonathan to sack a Minister of Transport, Yusuf Suleiman, following a disagreement.

With Jonathan’s imminent exit from Aso Rock, Tompolo’s influence will definitely decline.