ASARI DOKUBO WARNS: "IF YOU PROTEST NEAR ME, YOU GO COLLECT"
In a recent and highly charged statement during the *MGT. Conference with Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities*, Asari Dokubo, the leader of the Niger Delta Volunteer Force, issued a stern warning to the people of the Niger Delta. He made it clear that any form of protest near him would be met with fierce resistance.
"IF YOU DO ANYHOW, YOU GO SEE ANYHOW"
Asari Dokubo’s message was unambiguous. He stated:
> "Now, I want to say that I'm going to go straight. Those who believe in me and those who are committed to the interest of Niger Delta, we are not going to be part of any protest. It's as clear as that. If anybody has the right to protest, I also have the right to resist the protest. Where your right stops, that's where my right begins. I'm an anti-protest."
Dokubo dismissed claims that his stance was influenced by financial incentives:
> "People will say they have given him money, that's why he is talking this way. Oya now, go take your own, me, I don take my own. Because a lot of people make this claim and when they make this claim, you now start to hide. When they make this claim, you now start to be apologetic. When our brother was here, they protested and today, another of our brother is here, they want to protest. It's the truth. When you allow yourself to be used, when you bend your back and allow people to ride on you, they will continue to rise on you."
He emphasized the lack of consideration for Niger Delta needs in broader demands:
> "Is our needs included in their Ten points demand? No! So we are not important to them, it's our resources they want to share. We are not important, but they want to share our resources."
A Warning to Protesters
Asari Dokubo's threat was explicit:
> "I want to say that, me, I have the capacity. If you carry your protest come near me, you go collect. Those who brought anti-SARS protest, they collected from me, woto woto. Everyone knows it. The government knows it, the security agent knows it, I gave them woto woto."
Support for President Ahmed Bola Tinubu
Dokubo also expressed strong support for President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, stating:
> "President Ahmed Tinubu won this election against all odds. No candidate has gone through the travail that Ahmed Bola Tinubu went through to win this election. Everything was against him and he triumphed. Wait for your turn. Let nobody deceive you that there will be peaceful protest, it's not a peaceful protest. It's a call to anarchy. And we have to resist."
He defended Tinubu's leadership, highlighting their shared history:
> "Me, I have known Ahmed Bola Tinubu, I know him to his bedroom and I know that there is no president that has come in this country that's like Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Me, I don't flatter people, all of you know, I don't flatter people, in fact, I specialize in abusing people. So I don't flatter anyone."
Reactions and Reflections
Dokubo's speech has sparked significant reactions and debates among Nigerians. While some support his views, others are strongly opposed, each group steadfast in their opinions. This declaration raises critical questions:
- Are the Niger Delta people truly being denied their rights?
- Is it justified to refrain from protesting against bad governance?
- Should they abandon their fight now?
Share Your Thoughts
We invite you to share your views in the comment section. What do you think about Asari Dokubo’s statements? How do you feel about the situation in the Niger Delta? Let's engage in a constructive dialogue. Your opinion matters.
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