Fubara will return as Rivers gov — Tompolo

…says peace talks will bring Wike, Fubara together

High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has broken his silence on the escalating crisis in Rivers State, declaring that Siminalayi Fubara will return as the Governor of Rivers State.

He made this statement while delivering a powerful address to the Ijaw Nation from the sacred grounds of Gbaramatu Forest on the occasion of his 54th birthday.

Standing beside the revered Father Igologolo Aziza Deity, Tompolo pledged unwavering support for the embattled and suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.

His words carried the weight of both history and hope.

Tompolo declared, “Our son in Rivers State will come back to sit on the throne.

“Wike is my friend. This is a father and son relationship. We will talk to Wike; we will bring him and Fubara back together.”

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The address marked a rare moment of public intervention by the ex-militant commander, who has long remained an influential but silent figure in regional politics.

His message combined a plea for reconciliation with a firm assertion of Ijaw identity and presence in the Niger Delta.

“There is ward delineation and everywhere is shaking. All Ijaws put together are more than the Itsekiri Nation,” he said.

“Gbaramatu is older than the Itsekiri Nation. But we are not going to fight them — we will sit down to talk.”

Tompolo also urged the Olu of Warri, the traditional ruler of the Itsekiri people, to use wisdom and historical ties to guide his actions.

“Gbaramatu is his grandmother’s place. We have his DNA,” he noted, warning against hostility and encouraging mutual respect.

In a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu, he said, “We are pleading with our president — bring Fubara back.

“Wike, please take things easy, forgive and let go. I will not like my son to rebel against me, so I will not like Fubara to rebel against you.”

Tompolo reaffirmed his stance on peace within and beyond the Ijaw communities, calling on youths to drop their arms and refrain from intra-ethnic violence.

He said, “To those still carrying guns in Ijaw Nation, I appeal to you: don’t kill any Ijaw person. Don’t spoil any Ijaw man’s job. We only fight when we are oppressed.”

He ended on a note of political alignment: “Every Ijaw man, we are in support of Tinubu for now.”

The address was a clarion call — not for violence, but for unity, understanding, and strategic dialogue in the Niger Delta’s complex political landscape.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE