Former General Officer Commanding, (GOC), Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta (MEND) Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, Friday, categorically stated he had no connection with a new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, which claimed to have destroyed the Forcados 48-inch Export Pipeline in Delta State, lately.
Tompolo, who went underground since the Police and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared him wanted, months ago, asserted in a statement by his media adviser and consultant, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, that some security reports had erroneously linked him to the new militant group.
He said, “It is imperative to state unequivocally that Tompolo does not have a link with this new militant group. He is not part of the group.
“It is very unfortunate that Tompolo is still being accused of pipeline vandalism despite several press releases he has made, denying his involvement in the renewed hostility in the Niger Delta region.”
“Since the declaration of the Presidential amnesty programme by late President Yar’Adua in 2009, which he wholeheartedly embraced and accepted he has sworn not to be part of arm struggle either overtly or covertly.
“Most Nigerians, if not all, are aware of the role Tompolo played in safe- guarding crude oil and gas facilities during the last administration, and he is still doing that for the love of country, humanity and out of patriotism.”