The Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) and leader in the Ijaw Nation, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation, has refuted adverts placed in his name on some national dailies celebrating President Bola Tinubu's Birthday, citing such action "as a grave error and insensitivity."

Tompolo while reacting to the development made his position known in a press statement that was signed by his media consultant, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, and released to the media on Friday, March 29.

Recall that President Tinubu had instructed that he would not accept adverts celebrating his Birthday on national pages of newspapers due to the hardship and economic challenges bedeviling the country at the moment.

However, advertorials depicting the Tantita Boss, Tompolo, celebrating President Tinubu on his Birthday in front and inside pages of some national dailies have been trending online, smacking off criticism from certain quarters.

In his reaction, Tompolo, while expressing regret at the devlopment, said that those who have carried out the action contrary to the President's directive might have done so ignorantly, just as he apologized for their ill action which he noted was an "embarrassment".

The Tantita Boss also maintained that he believes in the leadership of President Tinubu towards "repositioning of the country for steady economic growth and prosperity" and has willingly joined hands with Mr. President and other security agencies to salvage the oil sector from pipeline vandalism and oil theft.

The press statement reads:

"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 not also 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 a result of the state of the Nation. That such money should be given as alm to the less privileged in the society.

"High Chief Ekpemupolo bought the idea of Mr President wholeheartedly, hence heeded to 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 apologise on behalf of those who placed the adverts, to Mr President, for any embassment this action must have cost him. It is highly regretted."

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