•Accuses military of brutalising family members
Former militant and fugitive, Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo has said that President Muhammadu Buhari needs him to drive his change agenda.
Tompolo made the disclosure in an emotional open letter addressed to President Buhari and made available electronically to journalists on Friday in Warri, Delta State.
“Your Excellency sir, it is instructive to state that you need me to drive this your change agenda in the Niger Delta region as I am ever passionate to improve the living condition of the people of the region,” he solicited.
The open letter was titled: “The Continuous Harassment of My Family Members and Close Associates by Security Agents and Over Zealous APC Members is Worrisome.”
The Ibe-ebidouwei of Ijaw nation, in the letter, alleged that the Nigeria Army, the Nigerian Navy and the Department of State Security (DSS) in connivance with some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have subjected his family members and close associates to untold brutality and dehumanization.
He said the brutalizations of his 84-year-old father at Kurutie in May by soldiers has led to the amputation of one of his (father) limbs, asking if Buhari would allow such treatment on any of his father, let alone family members.
“The military (on May 28, 2016) went to Kurutie Town in search of my 84-year-old father and brutalized him. We managed to rescue him to Warri and hospitalised him.
“Sadly, one of his lower limbs was amputated two weeks ago. From the doctors’ report, it will be a thing of miracle if he survives this incident.
“Is this 84-year-old man also a member of the Niger Delta Avengers, that he was brutalized to the point of death?
“Will your excellency accept this in good faith if this was done to your father or someone of this age in your family?” Tompolo asked rhetorically.
Tompolo denied doing any wrong in relation to the embargoed Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, saying President Buhari should personally assess documents and possibly send trusted emissaries to ascertain the level of work at both the temporary and permanent sites.
Interestingly, Tompolo announced that the letter might be his last to President Buhari, but did not really state what he would be up to.
“Mr President sir, I have written you several open letters. I have stated my position clearly each time I write you.
“This may be my last open letter to you. I believe the truth will come to stay one day. You need to do the right thing by uniting the entire country.
“Be wary of bogus informants. Always try as much as possible to hear every side of issues that are brought before you. By this, you will always know those sincerely love you,” admonished.
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