Has the FG transferred controversial Maritime University to Ibusa as Naval chief begs Nigerians to fish out Tompolo

Nigerians have been urged to assist secu­rity agencies with vi­tal information that can lead to the arrest of wanted for­mer Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.

The appeal came on Tuesday from the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.

In an interaction with journalists in Warri, Ibas announced plans to upgrade the Nigerian Navy Second­ary School in Ibusa, Oshimi­li North Local Government Area of Delta State to a mar­itime university.

His disclosure raised fears that the Federal Gov­ernment may have finally dumped the controversial Nigerian Maritime Univer­sity in Okerenkoko in the same state.

Vice Admiral Ibas, who inspected facilities in na­val formations in the state, said the process of getting the university licenced for operation was ongoing with the relevant agencies.

When asked on the whereabouts of Tompolo, he posited: “This suspect is declared wanted by the Eco­nomic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). It is the duty of all Nigerians, not that of the Navy or security agents alone to arrest him. Anyone with useful informa­tion should provide same for the relevant agencies to get to him.”

Ibas, who spoke with journalists at the Navy Air-Flow Station in Effurun near Warri, noted that the recent decline in attacks on oil facil­ities by Niger Delta militants was largely due to peace talks and military surveillance.

He added that the pro­posed university when ful­ly operational would serve both the military and gener­al public as well as save the country huge money spent on the training of its offic­ers abroad.

Ibas commissioned the newly refurbished intel­ligence control room, car parks and other facilities at the Warri Naval Base, head­quarters of the Nigerian Navy Ship, during the visit.

He explained that the Nigerian Navy Engineering College, Sapele, is also be­ing upgraded to one of the campuses of the new univer­sity which will be operated in partnership with a Greece foundation.

When also asked on the fate of the Nigerian Maritime University at Okerenkoko in Warri South Local Govern­ment Area of the state, Vice Admiral Ibas said that issues surrounding the school was being handled by the Feder­al Government and that he cannot comment further.