The chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo, has debunked the placing of advertorials on the pages of some national dailies to celebrate President Bola Tinubu on his 72nd birthday, Friday, March 29.
Tompolo, in a statement by Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, his media consultant, said he did not direct anyone to place such adverts on his behalf.
He further stressed that he keyed into President Tinubu’s directive that such funds be channelled towards the less privileged in society, considering the current economic situation.
The statement read: “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 a birthday party or place an advert to celebrate him in the media, as a result of the state of the nation. That such money should be given as alms to the less privileged in society.
“High Chief Ekpemupolo bought the idea of Mr President wholeheartedly, hence heeded the warning and instruction of Mr President. High Chief Ekpemupolo believes in Mr President’s capacity to work toward repositioning 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 emphasize 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 apologizes on behalf of those who placed the adverts, to Mr President for any embarrassment this action must have cost him. It is highly regretted”.