Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan on Friday played host to former militant leader and Chairman of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, at his country home in Otuoke, Bayelsa State.
Tompolo, who arrived Otuoke in the company of several associates, was warmly received by a large crowd of Ijaw youths led by members of the Central Zone of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).
The visit, which drew considerable attention across the Niger Delta, marked one of the rare public appearances by Tompolo outside his Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State in over a decade.
Both men later held a closed-door meeting that lasted for about 45 minutes. Although details of their discussions were not made public, the former president gave brief remarks afterward, shedding light on the purpose of the visit.
Jonathan said the meeting was centered on peace, unity, and stability in the Niger Delta region.
He said: “Since I left office, we have not seen. Tompolo is one young man that has been playing a key role in the unity of our people. He has been handling the issue of pipeline security in the Niger Delta.
“I recall that as Vice President, I visited his camp to bring peace to the Niger Delta. There are issues that people have been complaining about, so I decided to call him so that we can have a conversation along those lines. Everyone must be carried along so that the Niger Delta will continue to be peaceful. That is why he came to see me, and I appreciate his visit. He is someone that has contributed significantly to the peace in the Niger Delta and the security of the oil industry.”
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It was not clear if the talks between both men extended beyond peace and security, to Jonathan’s rumored ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election.
There has been ongoing speculations about Jonathan’s possible return to the political scene and it remains unclear if the former president used the opportunity to also consult the former Niger Delta warlord.
Tompolo’s visit comes two days after he made headlines for donating ₦10 billion to the newly launched Delta State Security Trust Fund, a gesture that underscored his growing influence and commitment to regional stability.
Tompolo’s company, Tantita Security Services Limited, currently handles major federal contracts for the surveillance and protection of oil pipelines across the Niger Delta, a responsibility that has been widely credited with reducing oil theft and boosting Nigeria’s crude output.