Nigerians Argue Over the Chair Asari Dokubo Sat on as He Addresses Press After Meeting Tinubu

Ilesanmi AdekanbiJune 17, 2023

2 minutes read

A photo of former militant leader, Asari Dokubo, sitting and addressing State House correspondents after his visit to President Bola Tinubu on Friday has gone viral on social media and generated diverse reactions from Nigerians. While some Nigerians expressed anger that Asari could be allowed to sit and address the press in the State House, others pointed out that anyone can be allowed to sit.

Asari Dokubo, who is known for his outspoken and controversial views on national issues, especially those affecting the Niger Delta region, met with Tinubu privately in his office.

The details of their meeting were not disclosed to the public, but some speculated that it might have something to do with the 2023 presidential election and the agitation for restructuring.

Some Nigerians on social media condemned Asari’s visit to Tinubu and accused him of betraying the Niger Delta cause and selling out to the ruling party.

They also questioned his credibility and integrity as a former militant leader who once fought against the government and demanded for resource control.

Some Nigerians on social media defended Asari’s visit to Tinubu and praised him for being a peacemaker and a bridge-builder. They also argued that he has the right to associate with anyone he chooses and that he is not a traitor but a patriot who wants the best for Nigeria.

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Dokubo, who met with Tinubu privately in his office, accused the Nigerian military of being behind 99 percent of oil theft in the country. He said that Tinubu has promised to investigate allegations of huge oil bunkering by notorious naval commanders who are kingpins, and to take decisive action to halt the shameful act.

Dokubo added that there are powerful cabals operating from Abuja who are behind the oil theft, and vowed that they have met their match and many of them would soon be marching to Kuje prison. He said he has volunteered to use his boys to assist and do the necessary to halt the evil.

The former militant leader argued that ordinary Niger Delta citizens who are often blamed for oil theft are not responsible, as they do not have the means to perform such sophisticated act of stealing. He said that the oil theft has deprived the people of the Niger Delta of their livelihood, and it is a crime against humanity.

Dokubo also alleged that it is an act of blackmail for the military to say that they have insufficient armaments to deal with insecurity, accusing them of forfeiting their weapons to the insurgents, which continued to fuel the insurgency.