Former Niger Delta freedom fighter, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, has warned organizers of the planned nationwide protest against hardship scheduled for August 1 not to come to the Niger Delta.
Dokubo-Asari stated that the agenda of those behind the protest does not address the problems of the Niger Delta people. He dared the protesters to come to the oil-rich region, warning they would be resisted and labeling them as ‘anarchists’ interested only in the region’s resources.
The former leader of the defunct Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force alleged that some individuals who lost the election were backing the protest to remove the current government.
Speaking at the Niger Delta Sensitisation Conference for Ethnic Nationalities, Youths, and Women in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Dokubo-Asari said, “I and all those who believe in me and those of you who are committed to the interest of the Niger Delta, we are not going to be part of any protest.
It is as clear as that. If anybody has the right to protest, I also have the right to resist protest. Where your right stops, that is where my right begins.”
He noted that the same people who protested against former President Goodluck Jonathan, a Niger Delta native, are now using the same tactic against President Bola Tinubu, urging people not to be swayed by persuasive talk.
“I’m anti-protest. When our brother was here (referring to Jonathan), they protested. Today, another of our brothers is here. They want to protest. That is the truth. Are our needs included in their 10 points demand? No. So, we are not important to them. But it is our resources that they want to share. If you carry your protest near where I am, you will collect (they will be resisted).”
Referring to the #EndSARS protest, he added, “Those who brought anti-protest and went to Oyigbo (Rivers State), they collected (they got what they deserve). The government and security agencies know it. I gave it to them.”
Asari-Dokubo also emphasized that the lack of hospitals and other facilities in the Niger Delta did not start recently and cannot be blamed on the current administration. He encouraged people to be patient and wait for the next election season instead of resorting to protests.
“President Bola Tinubu won the elections against all odds. Wait for your turn. You heard what happened in Imo State yesterday (Monday) where they killed police officers. That is what they want to do. And we must resist them. We must not allow them to bring their anarchy here.”
He concluded by stating, “Don’t bring your protest here. This protest does not concern us. Anywhere you are doing your protest, if I’m there and you bring your protest, I know you’re a threat to me.
And I will be a threat to you. I will stand firm because if I don’t do it, my life, the lives of my children, and my compatriots will be in danger. All of you who are here will be in danger.”
