By John Ogele
. NUIS LOGO, JOSIAH, TOMPOLO & OTUAROThe National Union of Izon-Ibe Students (NUIS), the apex body representing over 10.9 million Izon-Ibe students worldwide, has issued a stern warning to the Itsekiri Progress Group (IPG) and other unnamed groups over what it described as “tribal blackmail” targeted at prominent Ijaw leaders, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and Dr. Dennis Otuaro.
This was made known to Nigeria Daily Chronicles (NDC) in a telephone interview by the NUIS National President, Comrade Precious Temeoweimienbi Josiah, who stated that the union is “deeply concerned” about what it views as a calculated attempt to malign two of the Niger Delta’s most impactful figures.
According to Josiah, recent accusations by the IPG that Tompolo and Dr. Otuaro are sponsoring a campaign against First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu using federal funds are "baseless, desperate, and an insult to the collective intelligence of the Niger Delta."
“These allegations are not only baseless but reek of desperation, ethnic provocation, and cheap blackmail. We caution those behind this divisive rhetoric to retrace their steps or risk the united backlash of Izon-Ibe students worldwide,” Josiah warned.
He emphasized the vital role Tompolo has played through Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, in combating oil theft and boosting national oil production. Josiah noted that Tompolo's contributions have not only stabilized Nigeria’s oil economy but have also created thousands of employment opportunities—including many for Itsekiri youths.
“To attack Tompolo is to attack the progress of the Niger Delta and by extension the stability of the nation’s economy. His work speaks volumes — from restoring oil output to almost two million barrels daily, to reclaiming our creeks from criminal cartels,” Josiah added.
The union also commended Dr. Dennis Otuaro for what it described as a transformative leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). Josiah noted that under Otuaro’s watch, the PAP has moved from a state of dysfunction to a "beacon of hope" for the region.
“Dr. Otuaro’s record is not just commendable — it is a case study in public service excellence. His reforms have gained the applause of the Presidency, the NSA, and all serious-minded stakeholders. That some groups choose to ignore these truths speaks to a sinister agenda.”
NUIS, through its president, warned that any further attempts to malign Ijaw leaders would be met with coordinated legal, civic, and mass-action responses across campuses and communities where Izon-Ibe students reside.
“We will not allow tribal jealousy, falsehood, or political bitterness to erode the sacrifices and achievements of our leaders. The unity and peace of the Niger Delta must not be toyed with. Enough is enough,” Josiah concluded.
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