Former militant leader Asari Dokubo voiced strong criticism against President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, accusing him of betraying the Niger Delta and its people. Dokubo expressed his disappointment in the government’s decision to restructure the Ministry of Niger Delta into the newly created Ministry of Regional Development, viewing it as a blow to the region's interests.
Appearing on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Dokubo shared his frustrations: “It’s unfortunate that this decision comes from Tinubu’s administration. He was right there with us in the trenches during the struggle for democracy following the annulled June 12 election of MKO Abiola.” He added that Tinubu, once a vocal advocate for restructuring and federalism, seems to have turned his back on the region’s needs.
Dokubo argued that the Niger Delta’s inclusion in Nigeria hinged on the region’s terms, referencing historic negotiations where the Ijaw and Ogoni communities outlined their conditions for independence. “We made it clear to the British that joining Nigeria required respect for our rights. This led to the Wilkins Commission setting up special protections for the Ijaw and Ogoni communities.”
Dokubo expressed concerns that, after years of being sidelined, the Niger Delta is once again marginalized. “The Niger Delta is defined by the River Niger and its tributaries,” he said, recalling how the region’s specific needs have been diluted over time. Starting with former President Obasanjo’s administration, the creation of agencies like OMPADEC and expansion to other oil-producing areas, Dokubo believes, has weakened the original mandate for the Niger Delta.
In a somber tone, Dokubo concluded, “The betrayal is real. This decision undermines the Niger Delta’s foundation within Nigeria. Our people deserve the fair treatment and recognition we were once promised.”
