The leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Edwin Clark, has defended the former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over the N48billion pipeline surveillance contract awarded to him.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the contract award was greeted with controversy as many Nigerians described the action as an effort to reward criminals.
Defending Mr Tompolo in a statement on Sunday, Mr Clark, who is a former federal commissioner for information, warned “unpatriotic elements” against meddling in the activities of the region.
Mr Clark noted that the ex-militant is eminently qualified, being a bonafide son of the Niger Delta who is committed to the peace of the oil-rich region.
The elder statesman also urged the people of the region to desist from further bickering on the matter and focus on the bigger picture of sustainable development.
“The unpatriotic elements should realize that there is nothing wrong in awarding contracts to any capable Niger Deltan, especially to protect oil and gas assets that are situated in their backyards,” he said.
“Similar contracts have been awarded in the past to individuals, I do not understand, therefore, why the Tompolo case is made to look as if it is the only one.
“The beneficiaries of the contract are bonafide sons of the Niger Delta, who are committed to the peace and stability of the region and the country.”
