In a recently surfaced video, self-proclaimed Niger Delta spokesman, Asari Dokubo, makes a shocking proclamation – that the region he claims to represent will not participate in the nationwide hunger protests. Simultaneously, he brazenly disregards allegations of financial ties to political heavyweight, Bola Tinubu. These statements unveil a disturbing truth: Asari Dokubo's loyalty lies not with the people of the Niger Delta, but with his own personal interests and shadowy political dealings.
Asari Dokubo, a former Niger Delta militant leader, has been embroiled in a series of allegations and controversies since his rise to prominence. Some of the key allegations and incidents include:
• Oil Theft Allegations: In recent years, Asari Dokubo has been accused of involvement in oil theft in the Niger Delta region. He has denied these allegations and instead claimed that the military is complicit in the illegal oil trade.
• Treason Charges: In 2005, Dokubo was arrested and charged with treason for his refusal to recognize the legitimacy of the Nigerian government and his advocacy for the self-determination of the Ijaw people. He was later released on bail in 2007.
• Violence in Rivers State: Dokubo has been linked to violence in Nigeria's oil-rich Rivers State, particularly in the riverine villages southeast and southwest of Port Harcourt. His militant group, the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force (NDPVF), has been accused of engaging in clashes with rival groups
• Child Abduction Allegations: Kujengan and other regional government entities have accused Dokubo of ordering the abduction of children to be used as child soldiers and sex slaves.
• Pipeline Security Payments: As part of an amnesty deal with the Nigerian government, Dokubo reportedly received an annual cash payment of US$10 million as a "pipeline security protection fee" to protect oil pipelines in Rivers State.
• Threats Against the Igbo: In June 2023, Dokubo threatened to kill Igbo people in large numbers during a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This statement sparked outrage and raised concerns about ethnic tensions in the Niger Delta region.
These allegations paint a troubling picture of Asari Dokubo's history and raise questions about his commitment to the well-being of the Niger Delta and its people.
Secondly it is appalling to witness Dokubo's dismissive attitude towards the hunger protests, which are an urgent cry for help from Nigerians across the nation, including those in the Niger Delta. By attempting to exclude the region from the struggle against food insecurity and economic hardship, he negates the experiences of countless Niger Deltans facing these issues daily. Such dismissive statements are a betrayal of trust, demonstrating Dokubo's disconnect from the people he claims to speak for.
Moreover, his nonchalant response to accusations of receiving money or not exposes a web of potential corruption and duplicity. Rather than addressing these serious allegations head-on, Dokubo chooses to brush them off, raising suspicions about his true intentions and loyalties. If these accusations are true, it suggests that Dokubo is willing to compromise the well-being of Niger Delta residents for personal gain – an act of betrayal against the very people who have placed their faith in him.
Asari Dokubo's troubled history as a militant leader has already left a trail of violence and instability in the Niger Delta. While he has supposedly renounced violence, his recent actions continue to raise questions about his commitment to the region's welfare. By prioritizing personal interests and potential political alliances, he undermines the Niger Delta's progress and mocks the trust placed in him by its residents.
In conclusion, Asari Dokubo's dismissal of the hunger protests and casual response to corruption allegations betray the Niger Delta and its people. His empty words and duplicitous actions serve as a stark reminder of his failure to represent the region's best interests. It is time for the Niger Delta to demand transparency, accountability, and genuine commitment from those who claim to speak on their behalf, lest they continue to be forsaken for personal gain.
Chief Dr Patrick Osagie Eholor otherwise known as Ultimate Equal President One Love Foundation. Senior Advocate of the Masses. Voice of the Voiceless