“As peace-loving people, the ex-militants have changed from the war- war approach to a much peaceful and decent approach to achieving results. We owe the Nigerian state our patriotism, solidarity, loyalty as long as the federal government gives us an unfettered sense of belonging in the state,” the group said.
Alhaji Asari Dokubo, has come under attack by his fellow ex-militant war lords, who have accused him of making treasonable statements against the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, and the nation.
Dokubo, according to The Nation, was berated by the president of the national coalition of Niger Delta ex-agittators (NCNDE-A), ‘General’ Israel Akpodoro, who warned the former to desist from making flagrant statements.
Akpodoro, at a meeting in Ugheli on Monday, May 25, accused Dokubo of trying to make Niger Delta region issues a personal interest.
He called on Dokubo to retrace his steps noting that the region was ready to adopt peace.
He alleged that the genuine struggle for a better Niger Delta was hijacked by people of narrow interests, who carried out impunity, gangsterism and nepotism.
According to him, the Niger Delta people have learnt their lessons and as such would not allow themselves to be goaded into another round of crisis in the region.
Akpodoro noted that the era where those, who used the region as a platform for self-enrichment ended with President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, warned that: “Whoever engages in any crime under any guise should answer to his crimes without dragging the region along with him.”
Asari Dokubo has constantly threatened that the defeat of President Jonathan, at the election could corrode the stability in the Niger Delta region.
He recently warned that he was ready to take on the federal government if the interest of the region was not favourably considered by the incoming All Progressives Congress led administration.
Asari Dokubo’s utterances have drawn wide criticisms from many Nigerians, who accuse him of making unguarded statements, which are capable of polarising the country.
