Former Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND )leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) yesterday met with Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan at the Governor’s office, Asaba, the Delta State capital.

It was gathered that Tompolo, who disarmed on Sunday, came to Asaba for the first time in over a decade. He came on the invitation of Uduaghan, who played a significant role in his acceptance of the amnesty .

The highly regarded militant leader arrived the capital with a long retinue of top aides and security operatives for the inauguration of Uduaghan’s cabinet.

It was gathered that Ekpemupolo’s presence at the executive chambers yesterday led to wild excitement as public officeholders fell over themselves to catch a glimpse of the former warlord.

An obviously elated Uduaghan poured encomiums on the repentant ex-militant leader, for accepting the amnesty deal, stressing that it was not an indication of weakness, but that the violence phase of the agitation in the region was over.

His words: "I have the honour and pleasure of having with us here today a key player in the struggle, a symbol of the struggle. He has today come to join us in this ceremony. Let me especially welcome High Chief Government Ekpemukpolo. With his presence here today, the violent phase of the struggle is over.

Uduaghan later yesterday swore-in 12 commissioners with a warning that the anti-graft agencies will not hesitate to bring erring public officers to book.

His words: "You also need to be aware of agencies of the Federal Government who insist on due process, accountability and probity".

He urged the new commissioners to take their jobs seriously as his administration was determined to bring a new lease of life to Deltans.

Uduaghan administered the oath of office to the 12 commissioners who were last week screened by the state’s legislature.

The commissioners are

1. Barrister Bello Orubebe ,
2. Chief Frank Omare ,
3. Dr Chris Oghenechovwen
4. Mrs. Juliet Agoba ,
5. Mr Anthony Akpomiemie ,
6. Barrister Victor Otomewo
7. Mr. Fred Majemite
8. Mr Azuka Osakwe
9. Chief George Ugbomah
10.  Mr. Patrick Mozea
11. Mr Emmanuel Eboh
12. Dr Nnamdi Onochie
13. Victor Sota.

The governor later left with Tompolo for a chat at the Governor’s Lodge, where they reportedly deliberated on how to sustain the peace and overcome challenges that might ensue.

Although neither Uduaghan nor Tompolo commented on the outcome of deliberation, an aide of Ekpemupolo told our correspondent that "He (Tompolo) was at the Government House on the invitation of His Excellency.