Tompolo: will choose his date in court

The former Niger Delta warlord, Mr Government Ekpemupolo “Tompolo’’ will appear in court at the appropriate time, Mr Paul Bebenimibo, his media adviser and consultant, has said.

Bebenimibo, who said this in a signed statement issued to newsmen on Thursday in Warri, said that Tompolo’s lawyers were fine tuning ways for his appearance in court.

He debunked rumours that Tompolo, who has a bench warrant over his head, had acquired speed boats in preparation for war with the Federal Government, adding that the rumour was the handiwork of mischief makers.

He also refuted claim that his boss bombed pipelines because he had a case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bebenimibo said: “Tompolo has stated on several occasions that he will appear in court at the appropriate time as his lawyers are working towards that.

“He has no reason to bomb pipelines because of his case with the EFCC and he will never wage war against the Federal Government.

“He has sworn in 2009 when he accepted the Presidential Amnesty declared by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and has kept faith with Nigeria.

“He has promised to work with the present administration unconditionally and he stands by that declaration.’’

Bebenimibo said that the bombing of pipelines was politically motivated.

He alleged that some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the region carried out the act.

“Before the incident, Tompolo alerted the public that some aggrieved APC members in Bayelsa and Delta want to destroy national assets.

“Especially oil pipelines in the Delta Niger as a result of the outcome of the 2015 governorship election in Bayelsa,’’ he said.

The media adviser described Tompolo as “a man of peace committed to the development of the Niger Delta region.’’