Don’t bring protest to Niger-Delta, Asari-Dokubo warns protesters

Former Niger Delta freedom fighter Mujahid Asari-Dokubo has issued a stern warning to the organizers of the nationwide protest against hardship scheduled for August 1, advising them to avoid the Niger Delta region.

Dokubo-Asari argued that the protest’s agenda does not address the issues faced by the people of the Niger Delta. He challenged the organizers to come to the oil-rich region, promising resistance and labeling them as “anarchists” with interests only in the resources of the Niger Delta.

Speaking at the Niger Delta Sensitisation Conference for Ethnic Nationalities, Youths, and Women in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Dokubo-Asari alleged that the protests were backed by those who lost the election and aim to unseat the current government.

“I and those who believe in me, and those committed to the Niger Delta’s interests, will not be part of any protest. It’s as clear as that,” he said. “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 criticized the same people who protested against former President Goodluck Jonathan, a Niger Delta native, and are now protesting against President Bola Tinubu, urging people not to be swayed by their rhetoric. “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.”

“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. I want to say that me, I have the capacity. If you carry your protest near where I am, you will collect (they will be resisted).”

Referring to the #EndSARS protest, he said, “Those who protested in Oyigbo (Rivers State) got what they deserved. Everyone knows, the government, and the security agencies know it. I gave it to them.”

He emphasized that the lack of hospitals and infrastructure in Buguma, Abonema, and the entire Kalabari land is not a new issue and should not be blamed on the current administration.

“I will not be part of these anarchists. If you lose an election, wait for another election season. It’s four years. Sell yourself to the people, but don’t resort to protests,” he added. “President Bola Tinubu won the elections against all odds. Wait for your turn.”

He condemned the recent killing of police officers in Imo State, claiming that such actions are part of the protestors’ agenda and must be resisted.

“Don’t bring your protest here. This protest does not concern us. If you bring it where I am, you will be a threat to me, and I will be a threat to you,” he warned. “I’m not doing this because Tinubu is my friend. I will stand firm to protect my life, my children’s lives, and the lives of my compatriots.”

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