Politics

Asari-Dokubo Warns Against Bringing Nationwide Protest to Niger Delta

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 31st, 2024.

Asari-Dokubo Warns Against Bringing Nationwide Protest to Niger Delta

Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, a former leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, has issued a stern warning to organizers of the upcoming nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, advising them not to bring their demonstrations to the Niger Delta.

Asari-Dokubo criticized the protest, claiming it does not address the specific issues faced by Niger Delta residents. He warned that any attempt to protest in the resource-rich region would be met with resistance, accusing the organizers of merely seeking to exploit the area’s resources and labeling them as anarchists.

Speaking at the Niger Delta Sensitisation Conference for Ethnic Nationalities, Youths, and Women in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, he expressed strong opposition to the protest, stating, “I and those who share my commitment to the Niger Delta will not participate in any protest. If anyone has the right to protest, I too have the right to resist.”

He argued that the same individuals who protested against former President Goodluck Jonathan are now using similar tactics against President Bola Tinubu. Asari-Dokubo urged people not to be swayed by deceptive rhetoric and pointed out that their demands do not include the needs of the Niger Delta.

Referring to past protests, including the #EndSARS demonstrations, he warned that such actions could lead to severe consequences, as experienced in Oyigbo, Rivers State. He criticized the protesters for not contributing positively to their communities and suggested that those dissatisfied with the current government should wait for the next election rather than resorting to disruptive tactics.

Asari-Dokubo emphasized that President Tinubu faced significant challenges to win the election and urged detractors to respect the democratic process and wait for their opportunity to run in future elections. He cautioned that any attempt to disrupt the Niger Delta would be met with a firm response, asserting that while he is not in government or the military, he is prepared to take action if necessary.