It’s wait and see in Delta

WARRI—WHAT Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State did in 2007, when he assumed office was to conscript ex-militant leaders and their agreed represen-tatives into a strategic security group: the Delta Waterways Security Committee, DWSC. Alongside other professionals, they were saddled with the responsibility of ensuring safety on the waterways of the state.

Ex-militant leader and founder of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta, MEND, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, endorsed some of his lieutenants as members of his group.

Other ex-militant leaders in the state, including Ezekiel Akpasubowei and Aroni Oputu of Deadly Underdogs, were later drafted in to buoy up the group.

Some of the ex-militant leaders, who thought the committee was another money-spinning one, were frustrated at what they saw. They believe the governor played a fast one on them by gathering them into a group and abandoning them to their fate.

Top from left: Okowa, Gbagi, Orubebe, and Omo-Agege, Olejeme, Ochei, Obuh and Elumelu

However, many thought that all was well between Uduaghan and Tompolo, giving the camaraderie they show outside, particularly with the latest emergence of his younger brother, Mr. George Ekpemupolo, as two-time chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Area.

However, the Executive Secretary of Tompolo Foundation and top player in the Tompolo camp, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, told Niger Delta Voice that what exists between the two men was a cat and mouse relationship.

‘Count Tompolo out of Warri S’West polls’

First, there is the chairmanship matter that has pitched Tompolo against human rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, who is representing Mr. Weyimi Omadeli, alias Bobby, the chairmanship candidate that was swapped at the 11th

No space in Baylesa

YENAGOA— ONCE upon a time in Bayelsa State, ex-militants, especially their leaders, were held in awe.

They were quartered in the Creek Haven (read Government House) annex, fondly referred to as Super Lodge and they received monthly allowance from the state government.

This was aside the Federal Government amnesty stipends.

They wielded influence in the corridors of power in the state and, to a large extent, called the shots in the politics of their respective local government areas in the hinterland where they once held sway.

Some of them even moved with police escorts with siren- blaring pilot vehicles to the consternation of other road users.

It was, therefore, not surprising seeing the ex- militants rallying support for ex-governor, Timipre Sylva, during his trying moment with the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Presidency in his quest to secure the party ticket for second term.

However, their influence in the politics of the state and the councils have been whittled down by the present administration, which wasted no time in evicting them from the government lodge.

They currently have no role to play in the politics of the state and their local government areas where the governor’s men are effectively in charge of affairs.

Though some ex-agitators, led by former leader of the defunct MEND, Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, alias Boyloaf, were appointed by the state government into a special task force, State Centre for Youth Development, to curb criminality in the creeks of the state, security has not improved on the waterways.

Also on the board as Secretary is Mr. Egba Claudius Diekemi. Others are Kakas Amgbare (Sabgama council), Inemo Angalapele (Kolokumo/Opokuma council), Joseph Dienduomo (Ekeremor council), Pastor Reuben Wilson (Southern Ijaw council), Dini Atoni (Ogbia council), Mangite Asari (Nembe) and Miss Emmanuela Victor (Brass).

Also in the board are Jackson, Toikuma Toboula-yefa ThankGod, Omangima Harry, Alfreda Olungwe, Gift Bokiri, Tina Bailbond and Ebiasuode Timipre.