Tompolo Urges Protest Organizers to Shelve Nationwide Demonstration
By Edeki Igafe
Warri (Delta), July 27, 2024 (NAN) – Dr. Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has joined other prominent Nigerians in appealing to the organizers of the proposed nationwide hunger protest to reconsider their plans.
In his appeal on Saturday in Warri, Ekpemupolo, a High Chief in Ijaw land, emphasized that the protest might inflict more harm than good on the nation’s economy and security. He suggested that instead of protesting, the prospective demonstrators should engage with the government at various levels to seek lasting solutions to the problems.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the nationwide protest, organized by some unidentified individuals, is scheduled to begin on Thursday.
While acknowledging the importance of protests in holding the government accountable, Ekpemupolo noted that such actions could also hinder progress. He expressed his belief that with its abundant human and natural resources, Nigeria could overcome its current economic challenges.
“I have watched with trepidation our nation’s continued efforts to rise above poverty, disease, and want. I believe one day we will rise above these pitfalls of development and take our place in the comity of nations,” Ekpemupolo said. He added that the most critical question in nation-building is not “Are we there now?” but “Are we pushing in the right direction?”
He voiced his confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as determined to drive national reformation. Ekpemupolo, who also chairs Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), a private security firm protecting the nation’s oil and gas assets, praised Tinubu for his courage in decision-making from his first day in office.
“Only a man with clarity of vision will attempt such a change of direction on his first day in office. I, therefore, wish to add my voice to that of many well-meaning Nigerians, including our revered traditional rulers, on this call to shelve the proposed hardship protest slated for Aug. 1, 2024,” he said.
Ekpemupolo acknowledged that the hunger and hardship currently afflicting the country did not start today. He noted that the president is diligently working to revamp the economy with well-thought-out policies and programs. He observed that significant improvements, especially in the oil and gas sector, have been made under the Tinubu-led administration over the past year.
“When things are beginning to be done right, what is often needed is patience. The organizers must understand that the timing for this protest is wrong, and it may cause more harm than good to the economy and security,” Ekpemupolo concluded.
