Some Niger Delta students under the aegis of National Association of Gbaramatu Students, NAGS and Law Students Association of Nigerian Students, Delsu Chapter on Thursday staged a peaceful solidarity march in Warri, Delta state calling on the Federal government and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to immediately drop all charges preferred against former leader of MEND, High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a Tompolo.
The President of NAGS who led the protest claimed that Tompolo is being witch-hunted by the current administration, stressing that their march was triggered by Tompolo's efforts toward ensuring that people of the region are educated.
"Tompolo is being witch-hunted; his efforts in education of students cannot be overemphasized. Tompolo always ensured that youths of the region get scholarships to study. He is a selfless leader; the charges against him should be dropped.”
On his part, DELSU LAWSAN Attorney General, Jonathan Obiri said
“Tompolo has done well. The charges against him are frivolous and of no effect. The government is only witch hunting him, they have no issues tangible against him. Tompolo is our saviour in the region. He knows the importance of education and has fought to give it to us. The government is doing little in the development of Niger Delta, this was even possible because people like Tompolo came out to challenge the impunity.”
Others who spoke during the solidarity march were students on Tompolo's Scholarship abroad.
They displayed placards with the following inscriptions
“Tompolo is not guilty”;
“Tompolo is a prominent builder of the future of youths in Nigeria”;
“EFCC must drop all charges against Tompolo”;
“Though politically prosecuted, Tompolo maintains his support for national security.”
