TheCable

Government Ekpemupolo, a former militant leader better known as Tompolo, says he is sure that “Jehovah God” will make him come out of his “ongoing trial” stronger.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had declared him wanted for failing to honour the summons of the court over his role in alleged financial misappropriation at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The court also granted the request of the anti-graft agency to freeze his assets.

But Tompolo has claimed that he is being witch-hunted, saying he will continue to “pursue his course legally”.

“It is his prayer for those that are pushing for his death to have a re-think as he believes fervently in Jehovah God who sees the heart of every human being,” read a statement issued on his behalf by Paul Bebenibo, his spokesman.

“He has no evil intention against Nigeria or any individual, therefore he will come out stronger in the face of these temptations and trials.”

The statement also dismissed the reports that Tompolo has vowed to blow up oil pipelines over the deployment of troops in the Niger Delta.

“It has come to our notice that some mischief makers have made a publication in the name of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, which is trending in the social media, that he has given few days to President Muhammadu Buhari to withdraw military from the Niger Delta region, otherwise he is going to blow up oil pipelines,” the statement read.

“We wish to state categorically that the said publication is not from Tompolo, rather it is the work of those that have sworn to kill him by all means, but Jehovah God forbid.

“Tompolo has stated before now, that he will not resort to violence or destroy oil facilities because of the issue he is having with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. No amount of provocation and persecution can make him to destroy the country that he has helped to build in recent time. He will discretionally continue to pursue his course legally.”