Former Niger Delta militant Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo has said he did not place adverts in newspapers to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s 72nd birthday.
Tompolo, chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), stated this in a press release by his media aide Paul Bebenimibo on Friday.
Tompolo noted that he did not instruct anyone to place adverts in newspapers.
He said this was based on Tinubu’s instruction that no one should organise a birthday party or place newspaper advert to celebrate him due to the state of the nation.
“My attention has been drawn to adverts placed in front and inside pages of some Nigerian Newspapers celebrating President Tinubu at 72 today,” Tompolo said.
“To put the records straight, I did not place any advert to celebrate Mr President in the media neither did I instruct anyone to do so on my behalf.
“This is because of Mr President’s instruction that no one should organise birthday party or place advert to celebrate him in the media, as result of the state of the nation.
“He said such money should be given as alms to the less privileged in the society. I bought the idea wholeheartedly, hence heed the warning and instruction.”
Tompolo expressed confidence in Tinubu’s capability in repositioning the country for steady economic growth and prosperity.
Ooni of Ife visits Tompolo’s hometown
Tompolo said that he also keyed into the policy thrust of the president to work in synergy with security agencies to eradicate crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
He said that those behind the adverts may have done so in good faith.
“They may not be aware of the consequences of their action. It is our position that it is a grave error and insensitivity to the current state of things in Nigeria,” he said.
Tompolo, however, expressed deep regret for it and also apologised to Tinubu for any embarrassment the adverts must have cost him.
“I apologise to Mr President on behalf of those who placed the adverts, it is highly regretted,” he said.
