The Rivers Restoration Movement demands the arrest of former militant leader Asari Dokubo after alleged threats to disrupt oil production in Rivers State. Discover the full story behind the controversy and its potential impact on Nigeria’s oil sector.
Rivers Restoration Movement: Asari Dokubo Under Fire
In a dramatic turn of events that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political and oil production sectors, the Rivers Restoration Movement has issued a stern demand for the arrest of former militant leader Asari Dokubo. Dokubo, a once-feared figure in the Niger Delta, now finds himself at the center of a political maelstrom after allegedly threatening to disrupt oil production if Governor Siminalayi Fubara is impeached. The Rivers Restoration Movement, a prominent advocacy group based in Port Harcourt committed to peace and justice, has been vocal in its criticism of Dokubo’s reckless statements, asserting that such threats imperil national security and the economic stability of Nigeria.
According to a statement released in Port Harcourt on Friday by Johnson Georgewill, the Director-General of the Rivers Restoration Movement, Dokubo’s comments, along with those of other prominent Ijaw leaders, are not only provocative but also a direct assault on the nation’s constitutional order. The Rivers Restoration Movement insists that no one has the right to incite violence or jeopardize the country’s crucial oil production—a sector that underpins Nigeria’s economy. Dokubo’s alleged threats are seen as a blatant challenge to the rule of law and a potential catalyst for widespread unrest in a region already marred by years of conflict and political turbulence.
Historically, Asari Dokubo has been a polarizing figure in the Niger Delta. Once known for his militant activities, his transition from a rebel leader to a political agitator has been marred by controversy. The Rivers Restoration Movement has long monitored the activities of Dokubo, and the recent statements attributed to him have intensified longstanding concerns about the potential for further destabilization in Rivers State. His rhetoric, described as reckless and thoughtless by the group, is viewed as a dangerous attempt to leverage political unrest for personal or factional gain. The Rivers Restoration Movement argues that any threat against the state’s oil production not only endangers the livelihoods of millions but also disrupts a vital pillar of the nation’s economic framework.
The call for Dokubo’s arrest comes at a time when the political atmosphere in Rivers State is already charged. Accusations against Dokubo have been intertwined with broader discontent regarding the actions of Governor Fubara’s administration. It is alleged that Fubara has, for over a year, mistreated a group of nine Ijaw lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly by denying them their allowances and subjecting them to humiliation. While these grievances have festered in the background, Dokubo’s recent statements have added fuel to the fire, prompting the Rivers Restoration Movement to take decisive action. By demanding the immediate arrest of Dokubo, the group is not only seeking to curb what they perceive as a blatant abuse of influence but also to restore calm and order within a politically volatile region.
In the heated statement, Johnson Georgewill also condemned other prominent figures, including the President of the Ijaw National Congress and the National Publicity Secretary of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, for contributing to the volatile environment. However, it is Dokubo’s involvement that has drawn the most attention, given his notorious past and his continued influence among segments of the Ijaw community. The Rivers Restoration Movement emphasizes that the ability to provoke violence should never be equated with genuine leadership, and it stresses that all political disagreements must be resolved through dialogue rather than threats or coercion.
As the controversy deepens, security agencies have been put on high alert. The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, confirmed that the police are fully aware of the threats, especially those issued by former militants like Dokubo. Adepoju reassured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard the state and its oil installations. Despite warnings from militant groups in the past, including the Niger Delta Rescue Movement—which had even advised non-indigenes to leave the area for their own safety—the police remain confident in their ability to maintain order. CP Adepoju’s remarks underline that the security forces are prepared to act decisively against any individual or group that dares to threaten national security.
Related: Tenure Expiration: Vacate Office now, Asari Dokubo tells Rivers LG Chairmen
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