Unity Advocacy Group has attacked ex-militant Asari Dokubo over his claims that the Nigerian military is responsible for the majority of crude seizures in the country.
The group remarked that Dokubo only plays to the crowd because he is seeking political patronage.
The PUNCH reports that after a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Dokubo stated that ordinary Niger Delta residents are not responsible for oil theft in the region, but rather powerful cabals within the Nigerian military. Dokubo vowed that these powerful forces have now met their match, and that a large number of people will soon march to Kuje.
The Nigerian Navy promptly responded, characterizing Dokubo’s claims as false.
In a statement released on Friday, Mr. Ifeanyi Aigbedion, convener of the UAG, accused Dokubo of being parsimonious with the truth.
Dokubo, according to Aigbedion, could have pursued political patronage without making unfounded allegations.
“Asari Dokubo may meet with President Bola Tinubu and offer suggestions on the way forward, if he has them, without making unsubstantiated allegations at a time when the new government is attempting to calm down and offer solutions to the country’s economic crisis.
Even volunteering his sons to assist in the fight against oil smuggling raises eyebrows as a self-serving act.
“Would the military and other security agencies have entered the region if crude theft had not occurred?
“Who are the true parties incensed by anti-crude larceny operations?
Can Asari Dokubo, if he knows them, identify the perpetrators? asked the group.
Aigbedion stated that the military forces led by General Lucky Irabor should be commended for their sincere efforts to uncover oil fraud in the Niger Delta.
According to him, Nigerians are cognizant that no other Chief of Defense Staff has visited oil theft sites.
