Defence Headquarters Threat To Neutralise Dokubo-Asari Undermines Nigerian Democracy, Says Unyeowaji

Port Harcourt, Nigeria – Prominent Niger Delta leader, Rt Hon. Gabriel Patterson Unyeowaji, has condemned the recent threat by the Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to “neutralise” Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, the President/CEO of Royal Fouche Security Limited.

Unyeowaji, known as the “Igrigi 1 of Niger Delta,” argued that the DHQ’s statement is a blatant violation of the Nigerian Constitution and undermines the country’s democracy.

“This is not a military regime. We are in a democracy where the rule of law prevails,” Unyeowaji stated in a press release.

“The DHQ has no right to issue threats against any citizen without due process. Only a court of competent jurisdiction can determine the fate of any citizen.”

The controversy stems from a statement by Major General Edward Buba, the DHQ’s spokesperson, who declared that the military would “take out” Dokubo-Asari.
The statement came in response to alleged comments made by Dokubo-Asari regarding the presence of an unmarked helicopter hovering over his residence in Obuama, Rivers State.

Unyeowaji emphasised that Dokubo-Asari’s reported comments were merely expressions of self-defense and homeowners’ rights, enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

He questioned the DHQ’s hasty response, particularly in light of the unmarked helicopter’s potential violation of Dokubo-Asari’s privacy and right to family life.

“Did the DHQ order the unmarked helicopter gunship to fly over Dokubo-Asari’s residence? If yes, for what reasons, especially considering his role as a security provider for the Federal Government?” Unyeowaji questioned. “And if not, why the immediate threat against a citizen who is merely raising concerns about a potential security breach?”

Furthermore, Unyeowaji points out the DHQ’s failure to address Dokubo-Asari’s claims regarding the alleged involvement of the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, in the incident.

This omission, Unyeowaji claims, raises suspicions of bias and a deliberate attempt to target Dokubo-Asari.

“The DHQ’s statement bears no humane intellectual argument other than to kill Dokubo-Asari. Is it possible that there are rogue elements within the DHQ who might have launched an illegal mission? If so, is the DHQ not protecting these rogue elements?” Unyeowaji asks.

He urged the military to focus its “neutralisation” efforts on tackling the rampant banditry and terrorism in the North and to prioritise recapturing the Boko Haram terrorists who have absconded with military weapons.

“The military should remain neutral and not involve itself in the politics of Rivers State or Nigeria,” Unyeowaji urged.

“Dokubo-Asari has the right to be concerned about his security and the security of his loved ones, and it is out of place to threaten him for expressing his concerns.”

Unyeowaji called on Dokubo-Asari to seek legal redress against the DHQ for violating his fundamental human rights.

He also urges the Senate Committee on Defence to summon representatives of the DHQ for questioning.

“We are in a democracy, not a military regime,” Unyeowaji concludes. “No agency of government can hold the country to ransom.”