Attacks On Tompolo, Kestin, Otuaro, Godfrey: Chief Kemeyan Hails Oturubo’s Defence
By Ndu Samuel
Chief Collins Kemeyan (JP), the Posibenemowei of Ogulagha Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, has commended Chief Tamaramiyensinde Collins Oturubo for boldly coming out in defence of High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, Chief Kestin Pondi, Chief Dennis Otuaro, PhD, Chief Godfrey Tare Pondi and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
Chief Kemeyan gave the commendation in a statement he personally signed and issued to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, a copy of which was made available to The Liberator Newspapers.
The respected Niger Delta stakeholder said Oturubo’s decision to speak against the attacks on the leaders was timely, noting that Ijaw people and other well-meaning Niger Deltans must stop the unwarranted campaign against individuals who have continued to contribute to the economic empowerment and wellbeing of people across the region.
Chief Kemeyan described the attacks as misguided, stressing that it was wrong for anyone to deliberately target Tompolo, Kestin Pondi, Dennis Otuaro and Godfrey Tare Pondi, who, according to him, have continued to use their positions and influence to create opportunities for people without discrimination.
He said, “I commend Chief Tamaramiyensinde Collins Oturubo for standing up and defending our leaders. At a time when some people are attacking those who are contributing to the development and empowerment of our people, it is important that people of conscience speak up.
“It is wrong for anybody to continue attacking Tompolo, Kestin Pondi, Dennis Otuaro and Godfrey Tare Pondi. These are people who have continued to contribute to the empowerment of our people and the development of the Niger Delta.
“Instead of attacking those who are spreading wealth and creating opportunities for our people without discrimination, we should be encouraging them. The Niger Delta needs more people who are committed to building and empowering our people, not people who will sit back and attack those who are doing something.”
The Ogulagha Kingdom leader called on those involved in what he described as misguided attacks to have a rethink and repent, saying that the Ijaw nation has more serious matters requiring the attention and collective energy of its people.
According to him, the challenges confronting the Ijaw nation and the wider Niger Delta are too numerous for the people to continue wasting their energy on attacking individuals who are contributing positively to the region.
“We have more pressing issues facing the Ijaw nation and Nigeria. Why should we spend our energy attacking people who are putting food on the tables of our people and creating opportunities for Niger Deltans? We should redirect our energy towards issues that will improve the lives of our people.
“Those who have been attacking these leaders should repent. It is not too late to stop. Let us embrace unity and support those who are genuinely working for the advancement of our people,” he stated.
Chief Kemeyan further appealed to other good-spirited Ijaws to emulate Oturubo by speaking up and defending the region’s leaders whenever they come under what he described as unwarranted and misguided attacks.
He said silence in the face of sustained attacks against people contributing to the development of the Niger Delta could create the wrong impression that such attacks represent the views of the wider Ijaw people.
He added, “I am calling on good-spirited Ijaws to speak up. We cannot continue to watch while our own people attack those who are doing well and empowering others.
“Tompolo, Kestin, Otuaro and Godfrey deserve encouragement and support for the work they are doing. We should not allow misguided narratives to discourage people who are contributing to the advancement of our region.
“The Ijaw nation must learn to celebrate its own people when they succeed. We must support those who are building, empowering and creating opportunities for others.”
Chief Kemeyan also praised Oturubo for what he described as a courageous and timely intervention, stressing that the Niger Delta needs more voices willing to stand for the truth and defend those making genuine contributions to the people.
He urged Ijaw people to unite behind individuals and institutions contributing to the economic advancement of the region, insisting that the collective interest of the people must remain above personal grievances and unnecessary attacks.
He said the Niger Delta would make greater progress if its people concentrated on supporting development, empowering the youths and creating opportunities rather than engaging in campaigns against their own people.
Chief Kemeyan concluded by reiterating his call for an end to what he described as misguided attacks on Tompolo, Kestin Pondi, Dennis Otuaro and Godfrey Tare Pondi, while urging Ijaw people and other Niger Deltans to support and encourage leaders who are positively impacting the lives of the people.
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