Dokubo-Asari Not Against Protest But Anarchy, Says Tom Inko–Tariah

Tom Inko-Tariah, President of the Coastal Dwellers Association of West Africa, has dismissed as false and misleading media reports that Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari, a champion of resource control and minority rights, opposes the current protests in Nigeria.
According to Arch Tariah, mischief makers on social media cut, pasted, and edited a lengthy speech delivered by Kalabari Kingdom’s Alabo Edi Abali at a recent NDDC event in Port Harcourt to give it a different connotation.

In a statement issued by Arch Tom Inko Tariah, the President of the Coastal Dwellers Association of West Africa, says claims suggesting that Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari, the prominent advocate for minority rights in the Niger Delta, is wrong. He stressed that Dokubo-Asari, known for his lifelong dedication to fighting for the people, cannot change at this stage of his life.

“What he is really against is anarchy and any attempts to overthrow an elected government via a coup.”

Tariah emphasised Dokubo-Asari’s unwavering dedication to serving the people and fighting for justice and equality throughout his career. He stated that, while Dokubo-Asari expressed concerns about the possibility of violence and chaos during the protests, his stance is motivated by a desire to uphold democratic principles and prevent the country from becoming destabilised.
The full video of his speech is included with this transcript.

“Allow me to tell you something. Do not lie about it. We are all sitting here peacefully. It will be beneficial for you to visit Liberia, Somalia, and Venezuela. I was in Libya, a friend of Ghaddafi, and I lived in Libya. Libya was a paradise. Libya is currently rife with conflict. Ninety percent of those who led the anarchy against Ghaddafi are now dead.
Nobody should deceive you into believing that there will be a peaceful protest. It is not a protest. It is a call for anarchy. Did you read the ten-point demand? A change in government, a change in the constitution, and a few other things. Is there a demand for good governance? That is a coup, and we will resist it.
People have gone hungry, and it is not the first time. Nobody is happy when people are hungry. We are all working together to lift and carry the people’s burdens.
The President has accomplished this. The President is doing this. He is not doing that. When a new government takes power, we seize the opportunity to join political parties. We claim to be the PDP, APC, YPP, or any other political party. We now have a party called Nigeria. Party Nigeria is who we are, and we must all work together; no religion requires you to pray for your government to fail. If you see even a minor reason for your government to fail, you immediately jump in; the government must fail. This government will not fail. This government will endure. We might have some differences. We must tell those in government that they must not use their power to suppress people or cause anarchy.
There are people in government who say, “We will deal with you.” But na me dey tell you that you do not fit in with me. So, those who believe they can deal with us should not destabilise Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s government. I know Ahmed Bola Tinubu from his bedroom. And I know that no President has come to this country like Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Everyone knows I do not flatter people. In fact, I specialise in abusing others. President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Sammy Ugbuku, Dennis Otauru, and others were in the trenches alongside us. This is the first time a President who is one of us has visited Aso Rock, and we must support him because we know he is dealing with people who do not understand what we have been through or who we are. We have paid our price from June 12 to today. We have gone to prison, been underground, and been buried alive. We have every right to earn your respect. We are telling you not to go.
They want to come and blow up pipelines, intercept trucks, and trucking. To intercept barging, use barges. You may have heard about what happened in Imo State yesterday, when police officers were killed; this is what they want, and we must resist. We must not allow them to bring their anarchy here, but if you have a strong head, you bring me; I am not Tinubu, I am not the government, I am not the Chief of Army Staff, I am not the Inspector General of Police; if you do anything, you go see what happens. Do not bring your protest here. The protest does not concern us. And wherever you are protesting, I will be there, and I know that your protest will be a threat to me, just as mine will be to you. That is it. I am not going to romanticise my words. I will not do si si si with you. I am not a sisi. My name is Mujahid Dokubo-Asari and I am going to live up to my name and I will stand firm. I am not doing it because Bola Ahmed Tinubu will give me anything. I am doing it because I believe that if I don’t, my life, the lives of my children, the lives of my compatriots, and all of you who are here will be in danger. It is wrong for us to participate in or even organise this protest. Those who lost elections should plan for 2027. “Thank you.”

Tariah added:
“Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari has always advocated for the rights of marginalised communities in the Niger Delta and elsewhere. His priority has been to address systemic injustices and promote peaceful resolutions to grievances,” Tariah said. “It is critical to understand that his concerns are not with the protesters’ legitimate grievances, but with the dangers of anarchy and attempts to undermine the democratic process through unconstitutional means.”

Tariah emphasised the importance of distinguishing between peaceful protests and actions that could escalate into violence or jeopardise the country’s stability. He emphasised Dokubo-Asari’s call for a strategic, organised approach to effecting change rather than chaos or lawlessness, which could jeopardise progress towards advancing the rights of all Nigerians.

“Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari’s stance against anarchy and a coup should be understood in light of his deep commitment to the well-being and future of all Nigerians, particularly those who have long been marginalised. “His position demonstrates a commitment to upholding the rule of law and preserving democratic institutions,” Tariah explained.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with the country’s multifaceted challenges, voices like Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari play an important role in fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and advocating for peaceful solutions. By engaging in constructive discourse and upholding the values of justice, equality, and democracy, they help to create a more just and inclusive society for all.