Ex-Militant Leader Condemns ‘Smear Campaign’ Against Tompolo, Otuaro, Calls For Unity In Niger Delta

General John Abugor, a respected ex-militant leader and key figure in the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, has strongly condemned Jude Gbaboyor and his associates’ deliberate smear campaign against High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and Chief Dennis Otuaro, both prominent Ijaw leaders.

Speaking from Jesse town in Ethiope West LGA, General Abugor called the alleged campaign an affront to the Ijaw Nation, a betrayal of Niger Delta progress, and a desperate attempt to mislead the public for personal gain.

General Abugor specifically targeted Gbaboyor’s use of Facebook to spread what he described as “baseless accusations and outright lies” about TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Ltd. and the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) led by Chief Dennis Otuaro.

“Since TANTITA took over pipeline security, Nigeria’s oil production has significantly increased,” Abugor said. “A man like Tompolo, who has dedicated himself to protecting our national assets, deserves recognition, not slander.”

He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue working with Tompolo, praising his expertise in safeguarding Nigeria’s vital resources.

Addressing specific allegations that Tompolo amassed wealth through ritualistic means, General Abugor dismissed them as fabrications, claiming that Tompolo’s financial success stems from legitimate business ventures.

He also praised the PAP under Chief Dennis Otuaro for empowering ex-agitators, promoting peace, and creating opportunities for Niger Delta youths.

General Abugor urged Niger Delta youths and stakeholders to take the following actions:

Report and flag Jude Gbaboyor’s deceptive social media content.
In the comments section of his posts, he counters misinformation with factual information.

He also challenged Gbaboyor to show any meaningful contributions he has made to the development of the Niger Delta before criticising those who are actively working for its advancement.

He also praised General Preye Slabor, the Chairman of PAP Phase 3, for his leadership.

“The Niger Delta youth will not tolerate saboteurs in our midst,” General Abugor said.

“No amount of propaganda will undermine Tompolo and Dennis Otuaro’s commendable efforts to advance our country’s progress and development.

He concluded by emphasising the Niger Delta’s critical juncture, urging unity, security, and economic progress to be protected at all costs, and calling on all well-meaning people to expose and resist those who seek to undermine these efforts.

He emphasised the importance of preserving Tompolo and Dennis Otuaro’s legacies, both as Ijaw leaders and national figures who contributed to Nigeria’s overall stability.