OPEN LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR HIGH CHIEF TOMPOLO AND THE DOOR-TO-DOOR MOVEMEN
AN APPEAL FOR RESPECT, UNITY AND RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP
To my dear brothers and sisters of the Niger Delta, I write this open letter with a deep sense of responsibility, concern and love for our people.
This is not a threat to anyone, nor is it intended to silence constructive criticism. Rather, it is a sincere appeal for unity, maturity and respect, particularly in the way we use social media to discuss the affairs of our leaders and our region.
High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has become an important figure in discussions concerning the Niger Delta, national security, peace and regional development.
Whatever our individual opinions may be about his leadership, we must recognize that leadership comes with enormous responsibilities, pressures and sacrifices.
For this reason, I appeal to our people to allow High Chief Tompolo the space to carry out his responsibilities and contribute to the development of the Niger Delta.
LET US DISAGREE WITH RESPECT
There is nothing wrong with having different opinions. There is nothing wrong with asking questions or offering constructive criticism. However, disagreement should not become an excuse for insults, character assassination, rumours or the spread of unverified information.
Social media has become a powerful platform, but it should not become a place where we destroy the dignity of our own people.
If anyone has genuine concerns about the leadership style, decisions or activities of High Chief Tompolo, let such concerns be expressed responsibly. Where possible, seek dialogue, clarification and direct engagement rather than relying on rumours or unverified social media claims.
What we do not know, we should not present as fact. What we cannot verify, we should not circulate.
OUR UNITY MUST COME FIRST
The Niger Delta has experienced decades of challenges, struggles and disagreements. We should therefore be careful not to allow social media arguments to deepen divisions among us.
When we publicly attack one another without restraint, we do not only damage individuals; we also weaken the collective image and voice of our communities.
Our strength lies in our ability to disagree without destroying one another.
Our elders, youth leaders, women leaders, community leaders and opinion leaders all have a responsibility to promote dialogue, peace and unity.
A CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP
High Chief Tompolo remains a prominent son of the Niger Delta and a figure whose activities continue to attract national attention.
Whether one supports him or has reservations about his leadership, the appropriate response should be dialogue, constructive engagement and mutual respect.
Let us encourage our leaders to listen to the people, and let us also encourage our people to approach leadership with wisdom, facts and respect.
The Door-to-Door Movement should be an avenue for engagement, mobilisation, dialogue and unity—not division.
Let us protect the dignity of our communities by choosing words that build rather than destroy.
Let us support peace.
Let us support unity.
Let us support responsible leadership.
And above all, let us put the collective interest of the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta above personal differences.
I therefore call on our youth, elders, women, community leaders and all stakeholders to embrace peace and responsible communication.
Enough of unnecessary division. Let us choose unity.
LONG LIVE THE IJAW NATION!
LONG LIVE THE NIGER DELTA!
LONG LIVE PEACE, UNITY AND RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP!
Yours in the spirit of unity and collective progress,
Courtesy:
HON. OGIDIGBA EBIERIN
National Chairman, GBEOBA Community
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