Government Ekpemupolo

Government Ekpemupolo (born 1969), is a Nigerian businessman and former commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta. Ekpemupolo is one of the richest men in Nigeria and is currently allying with the Nigerian government against militancy and piracy in the Niger Delta.

For years Ekpemupolo was a high ranking and well respected commander in various militant groups in the Niger Delta. Ekpemupolo's wealth played a major role in purchasing stockpiles of weaponry for MEND and also funded his militants. Ekpemupolo accepted government amnesty on June 27, 2009 and is currently helping the government in tracking down militants who have resisted the amnesty deal. This follows the handing over of weapons by militant commanders in the eastern Delta region in exchange for the promised amnesty and guarantee of jobs and training by the government.

Early life
Government Ekpemupolo was born in 1969 to a royal family Okerenoko in the traditional Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State. Ekpemupolo went to school during all of his childhood and went to Okepopo Primanry School in Warri.

Activism and Militancy
In 1993 Ekpemupolo dropped out of college and joined a resistance group in the Niger Delta. In 1998 Ekpemupolo joined the newly formed Ijaw Youth Council and became a well respected member. Since there was very little progress in the Ijaw Youth Council Ekpemupolo joined the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta. Ekpemupolo quickly rose to a high commander in MEND and with his vast wealth he was able to supply MEND with large amounts of weapons and new equipment. Ekpemupolo was in command of 1500 militants and was very successful in attacking and destroying oil installations in the Niger Delta. During his time as a military commander he personally executed 11 men, most of whom were members who were accused of complying with the government. MEND was a force to be reckoned with which drove the Nigerian government to grant amnesty to MEND members who decided to surrender. Ekpemupolo was promised full amnesty as well as all of his men if he surrendered. On June 27, 2009 Ekpemupolo surrendered to the Nigerian government in Warri and got a handshake with president Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.

Since being granted amnesty Ekpemupolo has become a prominent businessman with and estimated net worth of N24 billion ($153 million). He is also complying with the government to fight militancy and piracy in the Niger Delta and also fights corruption in the political realm.