Former General Officer Commanding (GOC) Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta (MEND) Government Ekpumupolo, better known as Tompolo, has made up his mind to appear before the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

The court had issued a bench warrant for his arrest on January 14, but thus far, security agencies have failed to pick him up.

Speaking through his media adviser, Paul Bebenimibo, the former militant leader denied being involved in the recent three-day bombing of crude oil and gas pipelines in Delta state.

“Tompolo has no reason to bomb pipelines because of EFCC case, he knows he is innocent. As he has stated in several occasions, he will appear in court at the appropriate time as his lawyers are working towards that,” he said.

Also reacting to the allegation by another ex-militant leader, Africanus Ukparasia, alias “General” Africa that he was responsible for the bombing of the pipelines, Tompolo said he alerted the public that some aggrieved All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Bayesla and Delta states want to destroy national assests in the Niger Delta state and place the blame on him because of the outcome of the Bayelsa governorship election.

“And true to his fears, these set of APC chieftains that joined the party immediately after the presidential election of 2015 were the first people to accuse him of bombing the pipelines to divert public attention.”

“It is the biggest lie of the year, as the military is also aware of the boats and pick-up vans he purchased in 2011 for the surveillance of oil facilities as he was working hand in hand with the military then.

“Tompolo is a man of peace and he is poised for the development of the coastal Niger Delta region. He prays that this matter be amicably resolved so that everyone will know that he always put his people above his person gains.

“And true to his fears, these set of APC chieftains that joined the party immediately after the presidential election of 2015, were the first people to accuse him of bombing the pipelines to divert public attention.

“These new APC members who the former chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, described as parasites, also threatened to cause problem in the Niger Delta region if the pipeline surveillance contract in Delta State already awarded to Messers Ocean Marine Solution is not re-awarded to them.

“This is a clear testimony of their involvement in the bombing of the pipelines. Since then, we all have seen their role in misleading the military and the general public.

“Now, it could be recalled that this same Africanus Ukparasia threatened Tompolo not to show interest in the elections, as he was a strong supporter of the APC candidate. He killed and maimed fellow Ijaw people because of a governorship election, and now he is the one accusing Tompolo of bombing pipelines,” the statement said.

Janeth J