Ex-militant leader,High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo Alias Tompolo today stated that the continuous deployment of military houseboats, gunships and fighter jets to the Niger Delta will not solve the problem of the age-long criminal neglect of the region by government.

Tompolo made the assertion in a statement signed by his Media Consultant, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo and made available to DAILY POST.

“The huge sum of money used to deploy military houseboats, gunships and fighter jets is enough to fund the Nigerian Maritime University and other developmental projects in the region that will give a sense of relief and belonging to the people as part of the Nigerian project.”

Tompolo pointed out that mere acknowledgement of the fast deteriorating condition of the Niger Delta region by government is not enough to solve the problems there.

Rather, the Federal Government needs to put up a strong political will to address the issue of lack of development in the region.

“At the last count, there are over 20 military houseboats in the creeks of Gbaramatu kingdom alone. So much is provided by the government in taking care of the military men and wares in that region without achieving the purpose they are being drafted to the area as the agitation for development of the region continues on daily bases.

“Government cannot continue to harass and intimidate the people of the region with military might. What the region needs is simply development. And that is what the previous administration meant when it established the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko.”

“The previous government also approved the electrification of Escravos and environs, which has gone half-way, only to be discontinued by the present administration.”

“The EPZ gas city and deep sea port project, well thought out by the previous administration to significantly address the issue of unemployment in Nigeria has been abandoned also. This is not fair.