Ogidigben Shutdown: Group Accuses Tompolo of Instigating Tension, Pretending Ignorance

Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) has been urged by a group called Warri Concerned Youths For Peace to stop stirring up conflict in Warri city and pretending to be ignorant.

The group said that Tompolo’s denial of his Tantita operations in the area shows that he lacks the authority to handle situations as he claims, which highlights the need for the Federal Government to take another look at his security contract.

Tompolo’s statement distancing himself from the shutdown of the Oil Facility in Ogidigben was described as reeking of cowardice and intentions to heat the interethnic solidarity that has ruled Warri Metropolis for decades.

In a statement signed by Comr. Tuasor Eyekpimi in Warri stated that, “Agreed that, the reason behind the protest is the delineation exercise of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the system is heating up now because of the role of Tompolo in the matter altogether.”

“Warri Metropolis has been in peace for decades now. The Supreme Court position on the exercise is clear. The INEC deposed to an affidavit on the matter. But certain elements who are bent on destroying the peace.” The statement read.

Recall that on Tuesday, April 8, at around five in the morning, protesting Itsekiris reportedly closed a crude oil facility that produced 28,000 barrels per day in Ogidigben, Ugborodo Community, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, due to the perceived injustice that INEC had recommended in the name of ward delineation in the Warri Federal Constituency.

The plant, which was recently purchased by Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings after being run by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), was overrun by irate Itsekiri men, women, and youths.