The Reformed Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has strongly criticized former Niger Delta militant leader, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, for his recent remarks accusing the Yoruba ethnic group and President Bola Tinubu of being betrayers.
In a widely circulated online broadcast, Dokubo accused Tinubu and the Yoruba community of betrayal while announcing his plan to join forces with the North to oppose Tinubu's re-election campaign in 2027.
In response to the remarks, Dare Adesope, leader of OPC (Reformed), released a stern statement in Lagos on Tuesday. He cautioned Dokubo against making divisive comments that could harm the long-standing relationship between the Yoruba and Ijaw communities.
Adesope emphasized that Dokubo is not a representative of the Ijaw people and his statements should be ignored.
According to Adesope, "Asari Dokubo's recent outbursts do not reflect the views of the Ijaw people; he should be disregarded and left to deal with his own issues."
He also reminded the former militant about the support he previously admitted receiving from Tinubu.
Adesope highlighted that Dokubo had acknowledged in an online interview in 2023 that Tinubu played a crucial role in his rehabilitation following his release from prison.
"He said that Tinubu bought him his first car after he returned from prison, covered his children's school fees, provided for his family's needs, and even gave a house to his wife."
Adesope claims that Dokubo is angry because the pipeline surveillance contract in the Niger Delta was given to Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, another former militant like himself.
"Asari is a duplicitous and self-centered individual who, after meeting with President Bola Tinubu two years ago, vowed to do everything possible to halt oil theft in the Niger Delta region. He believed that by doing so he would be awarded the pipeline contract," he remarked.
Adesope cautioned that Asari, being a self-centered leader, has not empowered any of his followers. He advised Asari to be careful with his words regarding the Yoruba people; otherwise, there may be restrictions on his movements within Yorubaland.
He also pointed to Dokubo's involvement in Rivers State politics as an example of his hollow threats.
He explained, "This is how he pressured Fubara by boasting that if Wike removed him, there would be consequences. However, nothing occurred except for the state of emergency, and since then he has remained inactive. Therefore, from what I know about the Ijaw Nation's strength and dignity it would never stoop to having Asari Dokubo as a leader due to his erratic and immature statements."
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