Niger Delta activist, Asari Dokubo, has expressed his commitment to assisting the country if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu demonstrates a genuine willingness to eradicate theft and attacks on facilities in the oil-rich region. Following a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Dokubo spoke to reporters yesterday, emphasizing his solidarity with Tinubu and addressing various issues, including security and the fight against oil theft.
In his statements, Dokubo dismissed accusations that individuals from the Niger Delta region were responsible for oil theft and pipeline vandalism, instead pointing fingers at the Navy and Army for their alleged involvement in these illicit activities.
He referred to military personnel as the true culprits behind the extensive crude oil theft witnessed over the past eight years, labeling them as “oil kingpins.” He highlighted that ordinary Niger Delta residents lack the means to carry out such crimes.
Dokubo expressed his concern about the adverse impact of oil theft on the livelihoods of the region’s inhabitants, referring to it as a crime against humanity. He affirmed his long-standing relationship with President Tinubu, spanning over three decades, and conveyed words of encouragement for the President’s actions and policies during the early stages of governing a challenging country like Nigeria.
The activist vowed to collaborate with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Petroleum Commission of Nigeria (PCN), and international oil companies (IOCs) to eliminate oil theft entirely from the Niger Delta. He also boldly asserted that the military played a significant role in encouraging oil theft, specifically pointing to the Army and Navy. Dokubo described the situation in the Niger Delta over the past eight years as an unprecedented occurrence in the global history of oil production.
Furthermore, Dokubo criticized the calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He argued that releasing Kanu would promote impunity similar to the events of the #EndSARS crisis and advocated for his prosecution. Dokubo condemned Kanu’s alleged instigations and actions, linking them to the exacerbation of the #EndSARS protests and the loss of innocent lives.
In conclusion, Asari Dokubo expressed his commitment to President Tinubu’s vision for the Niger Delta region, pledging his assistance in addressing oil theft and attacks on facilities. He also voiced his disagreement with calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s release, urging that he face the law for his alleged involvement in criminal activities.