Indications have emerged that the congratulatory advertorials placed on the front page of newspapers on Friday on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s birthday was not authorized by HIGH Chief (Dr.) Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo.
Tompolo, who is Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, said he respect and stood by the President directives.
Dr Paul Bebenimibo, Media Consultant to High Chief Dr Ekpemupolo, also gave the clarification in a statement on Friday.
It will be recalled that President Tinubu had few days ago directed that nobody must congratulate him on page of newspapers because of the present situation in the country.
Bebenimibo in his statement said, “The attention of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has been drawn to adverts placed in front and inside pages of some Nigerian Newspapers celebrating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at 72 years today”
“For the records, High Chief Tompolo did not place any advert to celebrate Mr President in the media. He did also did not instruct anyone to do so on his behalf”
“This is owing to Mr President’s instruction that no one should organise birthday party or place advert to celebrate him in the media, as result of the state of the Nation. That such money should be given as alm to the less privileged in the society”
According to Bebenimibo, “High Chief Ekpemupolo bought the idea of Mr President wholeheartedly, hence heed the warning and instruction of Mr President. High Chief Ekpemupolo believes in Mr President’s capacity in working toward repositioning of the country for steady economic growth and prosperity.
“It is against this background that High Chief Ekpemupolo keyed into the policy thrust of Mr President, by working in synergy with security agencies to totally eradicate illegal crude oil activities in the Niger Delta region for maximum productivity for economic prosperity.
“We wish to emphasis that high Chief Ekpemupolo did not place any advert to celebrate Mr President. Those behind these adverts placement may have done this in good faith, but may not be aware of the consequences of their action. It is our position that it is a grave error and insensitivity to the current state of things in Nigeria.
“High Chief Ekpemupolo expresses his deep regret for this action and also apologize on behalf of those who placed the adverts, to Mr President for any embarrassment this action must have cost him. It is highly regretted.” He added.