29th March, 2024
By Edeki Igafe
A leader of ex-agitator in Niger Delta, Mr Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo has apologised over advertisements placed in newspapers to celebrate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 72nd birthday.
Tompolo, who is the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) tendered an apology to the President despite denying placing the advertisements or instructing anyone to do so, according to a statement by his Media Consultant, Dr Paul Bebenimibo on Friday in Warri.
Tompolo said he apologized over the advertisements as President Tinubu had earlier instructed that no one should organize a birthday party or place advertisement to celebrate him in the media on his 72nd birthday because of 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.
“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 said.
However, Tompolo added that those behind the advertisement 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.
He , however, expressed deep regret for this action and also apologise to Mr President for any embarrassment this action must have cost him.
“I apologise to Mr President on behalf of those who placed the adverts, it is highly regretted,” he said.
He expressed confidence in Tinubu`s capability in repositioning the country for steady economic growth and prosperity.
Tompolo said that he also keyed into the policy thrust of the president to work in synergy with security agencies to eradicate illegal crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
(NAN)