Why Security Agencies Must Stop Asari Dokubo’s Excesses Before It’s Too Late – APC Chieftain

Aug 27, 2023

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By Bada Abraham

Prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and respected security expert, Jackson Lekan-Ojo, has criticized Nigerian security agencies for their failure to rein in former militant leader Asari Dokubo, who made claims about military Chiefs’ involvement in oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

In an interview with THE SUN, Lekan-Ojo remarked that Dokubo’s recent actions show he has grown more confident, evident in his public display of ammunition and soldiers. He expressed concern about Nigeria’s image, stating that no serious nation would view Nigeria favorably. Lekan-Ojo questioned the decision to delegate the security of Nigeria’s waters against oil thieves to private security outfits, highlighting that such an approach is not practiced anywhere else in the world.

Commenting on the allegations made by Asari Dokubo against the military, Lekan-Ojo noted that after Dokubo made his claims in Aso Rock, the expected response of the military was to challenge him to prove his points or take legal action. The absence of such a response seemed to embolden Dokubo, leading to his display of ammunition and soldiers. Lekan-Ojo also noted the silence of intelligence agencies like the DSS and NIA on the matter, suggesting that this silence could be interpreted as a degree of validity to Dokubo’s claims.

Regarding Dokubo’s statement after his meeting in Aso Rock, where he expressed intentions to deal with the people of the Southeast and mentioned Nnamdi Kanu, Lekan-Ojo believed that Dokubo might be echoing the sentiments of some individuals. He highlighted the alleged marginalization of the Southeast geopolitical zone and criticized the distribution of ministerial positions. He pointed out that the Southeast, despite their requests, received fewer ministerial positions compared to other regions, which could further exacerbate tensions in the area.

Lekan-Ojo concluded by expressing his belief that the current situation of perceived injustice and marginalization in the Southeast will not continue indefinitely.