Warri Ijaws Stakeholders Group Condemns “Stage-Managed” Protest Against Tompolo, Otuaro, and Tonlagha
— Says Outsiders Were Hired to Undermine Niger Delta Leaders
By Paul Ebi
Warri, Delta State — The Warri Ijaws Stakeholders Group has issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it described as a “shameful and stage-managed protest” allegedly orchestrated by one Mr. Jude Gbaboyor against prominent Niger Delta leaders — High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, and Mathew Tonlagha.
In the statement signed by Tariwei Goodman Ebi (Chairman) and Ebiwie Godfrey (Secretary), the group accused Gbaboyor of “employing outsiders — mostly Hausa boys and other non-Niger Deltans — to stage protests in a desperate attempt to discredit respected figures who have contributed immensely to peace and development in the region.”
> “It has become both shameful and laughable to see Mr. Jude Gbaboyor attempt to present himself as a Niger Delta voice while employing outsiders to protest against High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, and Mathew Tonlagha,” the statement read.
The group described the alleged protest as “a disgrace and an insult to the collective dignity, intelligence, and unity of the Niger Delta people,” stressing that such acts reveal “desperation, deceit, and a total disconnect from the genuine aspirations of our region.”
‘Tompolo, Otuaro, Tonlagha Are Pillars of Peace and Progress’
According to the stakeholders, Tompolo has, for decades, been a “pillar of peace, progress, and development” across the Niger Delta, helping stabilize the creeks, empower youths, and safeguard national assets.
Similarly, they lauded Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), for what they described as his “renewed direction and integrity” in the programme. They noted that under Otuaro’s leadership, “education and training opportunities for beneficiaries have surpassed all achievements recorded since the inception of the Amnesty Programme.”
They further praised Mathew Tonlagha for his ongoing contributions to peacebuilding, dialogue, and youth empowerment within the region.
‘A Protest Without Legitimacy’
The statement accused Gbaboyor of pursuing a “self-seeking agenda” rather than representing the true interests of the Niger Delta.
> “For Jude Gbaboyor to sponsor rented crowds—people who have no stake, no understanding, and no roots in our region—to protest against these distinguished sons of the Niger Delta is the height of irresponsibility and deceit,” the group asserted.
The stakeholders urged the Federal Government, the media, and the general public to “disregard the stage-managed protest and its sponsors,” declaring it “illegitimate and without grassroots support.”
They emphasized that genuine Niger Delta voices do not resort to importing outsiders to fight internal disputes.
> “Those who truly represent the Niger Delta do not fight their brothers by importing strangers to do their bidding. We resolve issues as a family — through dialogue, mutual respect, and shared purpose,” the group maintained.
In a final rebuke, the group stated:
> “Let it be known: Jude Gbaboyor does not speak for the Niger Delta. He speaks only for his pockets — and even then, with borrowed voices.”
