“Tompolo Asked For Peace — Rein In Your Media Aides Within 24 Hours Or Face The Full Return Of Our Campaign, Emmanuel Ben Warns As 7-Day Ceasefire Hangs By A Thread”

By Passman Akpos

Niger Delta Peace Process Faces Fresh Test As Ben Demands 24-Hour Restraint From Tompolo’s Media Supporters

The fragile seven-day ceasefire declared in the long-running public confrontation involving Niger Delta activist Jude Gbaboyor and former militant leader High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is facing a fresh test following a stern warning issued by Emmanuel Ben.

Ben has called on Tompolo to immediately rein in what he described as his “media e-rats,” accusing online supporters of continuing attacks despite the understanding reached to temporarily suspend hostilities and create room for dialogue.

In a strongly worded statement, Ben warned that continued media attacks could undermine the peace process and trigger the resumption of the campaign against Tompolo and his associates.

According to Ben, the seven-day media ceasefire was established as an opportunity for reconciliation and meaningful engagement over serious allegations that have been raised against Tompolo and individuals allegedly connected to his network.

The allegations, which remain unproven claims and have not established criminal liability against Tompolo or any other individual, include accusations relating to kidnapping, murder, missing persons and other security-related concerns.

Ben said the initiative for the peace process came from Tompolo and was intended to create an avenue through which the outstanding issues could be addressed rather than allowing the confrontation to continue indefinitely.

“Respect The Ceasefire”

Ben’s latest intervention appeared directed particularly at individuals using social media and online platforms to defend Tompolo while allegedly attacking those who have been campaigning for answers and accountability.

He argued that the continuation of online attacks was inconsistent with the spirit of the ceasefire and warned that his side would not remain passive if the agreement was repeatedly violated.

Ben further claimed that some of Tompolo’s media supporters were motivated by financial considerations, alleging that their continued attacks were linked to fears of losing monthly stipends if the dispute was successfully resolved.

The allegation has not been independently established.

He also challenged Tompolo’s media defenders to explain why, in his view, they were unable to effectively defend their principal during the most intense period of the confrontation.

24-Hour Ultimatum

In his most direct warning, Ben gave Tompolo what he described as a 24-hour window to call his media supporters to order and ensure that they respect the existing ceasefire.

He warned that failure to do so could result in the immediate resumption of the campaign and the release of another phase of allegations and disclosures concerning what he described as Tompolo’s alleged past misdeeds.

Ben maintained that his group would not allow online provocations to derail the peace process.

He said the group reserves the right to respond with equal intensity if the attacks continue, raising concerns that the fragile truce could collapse before the seven-day period expires.

Peace Process Under Pressure

The latest development comes days after Tarakirivoice reported that Gbaboyor and other Niger Delta youths had announced a temporary seven-day pause in their prolonged media campaign against Tompolo.

The ceasefire was reportedly intended to give Niger Delta elders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders an opportunity to intervene, examine the allegations and facilitate dialogue between the opposing sides.

Gbaboyor and his associates have maintained that the suspension of the campaign does not amount to a withdrawal of their allegations or demands for accountability.

They have called for credible investigations, verifiable findings and concrete action concerning allegations of kidnapping, missing persons and other security concerns raised during the nearly two-year confrontation.

Tompolo and individuals associated with him have faced various allegations from campaigners, but allegations published or circulated in the media should not be treated as established facts unless supported by competent investigations or judicial findings.

Will The Truce Survive?

Ben’s latest warning has now placed additional pressure on Tompolo and those involved in the mediation process.

The central question is whether the parties can prevent the dispute from returning to the intense media confrontation that characterised the previous two years.

With the ceasefire period still running, stakeholders face a narrow opportunity to move the dispute away from social-media warfare and toward a structured process where allegations can be investigated, responses obtained and evidence properly examined.

For now, Ben’s 24-hour warning represents another major test of the fragile peace arrangement.

If Tompolo succeeds in restraining his media supporters and the opposing camp reciprocates, the ceasefire could provide an opportunity for meaningful dialogue.

But if the online confrontation continues, Ben has made it clear that his group is prepared to resume its campaign and release further allegations.

The coming hours may therefore determine whether the seven-day truce becomes the beginning of a genuine peace process—or merely a brief pause before another round of Niger Delta confrontation.