17th June, 2023
By Sumaila Ogbaje
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Unity Advocacy Group, (UAG) has challenged ex-Niger Delta militant, Asari Dokubo to mention the names of military officers involved in oil theft as he claimed on Friday at the presidential villa, Abuja.
The group gave the challenge to Dokubo while condemning his allegation that top Nigerian military officers are behind most of the oil thefts in the country in a statement by its Convener, Mr Ifeanyi Aigbedion, on Friday.
Dokubo made the claim against the military while addressing newsmen after his meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
The group accused Dokubo of being economical with the truth, saying he could have gone ahead and lobby for political patronage at the presidential villa without raising unfounded allegations.
“Asari Dokubo can meet President Bola Tinubu and offer suggestions on the way forward, if he has it, without raising unfounded allegations at a time the new government is trying to settle down and proffer solutions to the economic crisis in the country.
“Even volunteering to use his boys to assist in tackling oil theft raises an eye brow and is more of selfish endeavour.
“Would the military and other security agencies have come in to the region if there had been no oil theft?
“Who are the real actors that are angry with anti-crude theft operations?
“Can Asari Dokubo mention names of the culprits, if he has them?,” the group queried.
Aigbedion said the armed forces under Gen. Lucky Irabor, should be commended for its sincere approach towards unraveling oil theft in the Niger Delta.
According to him, Nigerians are aware that no other Chief of Defence Staff has visited the sites of oil-theft like the present chief.
“Asari Dokubo and other persons in the region should reciprocate the sincerity exhibited by the leadership of the armed forces and chart a way forward,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OYS/VAO