What I discussed with Tompolo – Jonathan opens up after meeting with ex-militant leader

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday hosted Niger Delta leader and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, at his country home in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Tompolo, whose firm is responsible for safeguarding oil installations across the Niger Delta, arrived at Jonathan’s residence shortly after noon.

He was accompanied by  Joshua Maciver, the 2023 deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, and Tantita’s Managing Director,  Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, among others.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Jonathan said he invited the ex-militant leader to discuss public concerns and the ongoing peace efforts in the region.

He said:“Since I left office, we have not seen. Tompolo is one young man that played key role in the unity of our people, but today’s visit, you know he is been handling this security issue in the Niger Delta and I remember as Vice president, I visited his camp to bring peace to the Niger Delta, and there are issues that people are complaining about, so I decided to call him so that we can have conversations along those lines. So that people will be carried along to make sure that the Niger Delta continues to be peaceful. That is why he came to see me.

“So I appreciate his visit, because he is somebody we appreciate. He has contributed significantly to the peace in the Niger Delta and the security of the oil installations.”

Although Jonathan explained that the meeting centered on peace and security, there are speculations that Tompolo’s visit might be linked to political discussions ahead of the 2027 elections.

Tompolo, once a close ally of Jonathan, is now believed to have developed ties with President Bola Tinubu. In a recent viral video, he was seen urging Nigerians to re-elect Tinubu in 2027, praising the president’s performance so far.

Earlier in June, Comrade Sunday Adekanbi, Protem National Coordinator of the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement, named Tompolo as the group’s grand patron, announcing a target of 10 million votes for Tinubu in the next presidential election.

Despite Jonathan’s explanation, unconfirmed reports suggest Tompolo’s visit may have included an appeal for the former president not to join the 2027 race.