The former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) made the allegation on Friday in a press statement signed by his media aide and consultant, Paul Bebenimibo and made available to Saturday Tribune in Warri, Delta State. Tompolo, who refuted any link with a new militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers which claimed responsibility for the recent bombing of Forcados’ 48-Inch Export Pipeline, said APC chieftains in the region, who had lost out in securing political appointments and contracts from Abuja, were responsible for the blackmail. According to the spokesperson for the former warlord, these APC members are the ones creating tension by masterminding economic sabotage in the region. “It is very important to inform Mr President and the security agencies in the country that some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly from Bayelsa and Delta states are not happy with him because they have not got anything from him after almost a year since he assumed office by way of appointments and contracts. “Therefore, some of them are involved in nefarious activities in the oil and gas sector so as to be engaged in pipeline surveillance.” “We are aware of how such persons are chasing the Minister of Petroleum for State, Dr Ibe Kachukwu around,” he alleged. He added that since the commencement of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in 2009, Tompolo had vowed never to engage in arms struggle any longer. Tompolo, according to Bebenimibo, has also reiterated that he would never resort to violence because of his case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying his legal team is working towards the resolving the issue. “It is imperative to state unequivocally that Tompolo does not have a link with this new militant group. He is not part of the group. “It is very unfortunate that Tompolo is still being accused of pipeline vandalism despite several press releases he has made, denying his involvement in the renewed hostility in the Niger Delta region. “Since the declaration of the Presidential Amnesty Programme by late President Musa Yar’Adua in 2009 which he wholeheartedly embraced and accepted, he had sworn not to be part of arm struggle either overtly or covertly,” Bebenimibo claimed.]]>