TheCable

Government Ekpemupolo, ex-militant leader better known as Tompolo, says he is working to stop oil bunkering in the Niger Delta area.

Tompolo was reportedly given a contract to secure oil pipelines by the federal government.

Speaking after an event with traditional rulers in the Niger Delta, Tompolo said there is a need to protect the environment in the Niger Delta and in the country.

Tompolo, as militant leader, allegedly sabotaged oil production in the zone in the past.

The former militant said he wants to work with communities in the Niger Delta area “to do the right thing”.

“We are going to move into serious action, where we are going to stop the illegal activities in the Niger Delta region,” he said.

“We will implore the press… we don’t have any place to call our home except Nigeria. We need to do everything within our powers to protect our environment, protect our country and our nation.

“My plan for Niger Delta, for peace to reign, is to carry everybody along. People try to do illegal bunkering – people are doing that to survive because there is no other means to survive.

“We are working with everybody to do the right thing.”

On his part, Frank Okorakpo, Okubge Isoko Kingdom, said there is a need to stop oil bunkering in the region.

“If there is peace and orderliness, there are a lot of investors out there that are willing to come,” he said.

“With this, the amount of oil that is being wasted if it is invested in the Niger Delta I’m sure everybody will be happy, instead of going to London and becoming minicab drivers.”