In his reaction to a widespread report in a section of media particularly the Leadership Newspaper, a notable ex-militant leader who is also the Mayor of Urhoboland, Eshanakpe Israel a.k.a Akpodoro has called on the presidency to bar and decline audience to Alhaji Asari Dokubo in isolation of other former warlords he described as reputable men and women of impeccable integrity.
Speaking at a well attended forum of ex-militants of Niger Delta extraction in Abuja on Wednesday, Mayor Akpodoro said whatever must have led the seat of power in Nigeria to take such decision as denying ex-militants access to Aso Villa should be restricted to Dokubo alone since there was nowhere in the world where the leader of the Niger Delta Volunteer Force, NDVF was elected to represent the body of ex-militants, saying he represents himself.
The leader of the Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, NCNDE-A said Dokubo flies his own flag and FG should not treat vicariously other former warlords who willingly surrendered arms at the end of the arm struggle in the Delta.
He noted that, till date most of those who are benefiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP still wield arms in flagrant disregard to the peace accord entered into with the federal government.
In the category of the recalcitrants, Mayor Akpodoro said, is Dokubo who has refused to drop arms as he has been seen severally displayed in viral videos till date, a development he agreed is a blight to any government or persons who associate with such character who openly disregard what the spirit and letter of the peace agreement stands for.
Ex-militants, he noted, are quintessential, astute, eminent and top-notch peace builders who are hungry to add their quota to the growth and development of their region and country therefore, “the reported response to a malfeasant who masquerades as an ex-militant should be against that man who suffers reputational injuries and not everybody in the fold of ex-militants. He added: “Dokubo should carry his own cross alone .”
He further maintained that ex-militants are kings and well to do members of the society who should be accorded the rights and privileges of visiting the villa when the audience is granted by the authority.
The law enforcement agencies have the dosier of all ex-militants he said, if anyone is found wanting there shouldn’t be hesitation to rein in such character who runs foul of the law at any time rather than punishing others for the sin of one unbridled and flippant element who finds it difficult to obey the law of the land.
“Whosoever abuses privileges accorded him or her should be treated in isolation from others who are law abiding like Chief Government Ekpemukpolo a.k.a Tomopolo who is a well respected gentleman, king Ateke Tom, Egberipapa and many others who are not given to frivolities, self aggrandisement, rascality and empty pride. We love our country and the operators of our political system, including the presidency, owe us our courtesies and respect at all times.
“When has anyone seen Tomopolo demonstrate rascality, display arms brazenly in the public, or in a show of force, who has ever heard King Ateke Tom attack any institution or persons? Only Dokubo knows how to spew garbage and also engages in mudslinging often without cause. If he is barred from Aso Villa, he is on his own with his distinctive identity.
“We all support the government of Renewed Hope, and we owe it a duty to protect and not cast it in bad light.” Mayor Akpodoro stated as he called on Niger Delta youths to stand firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government.
The hardship currently pervading the nation’s economy, Akpodoro said, is for a short time, maintaining that austerity measures come with its own challenges but for a short while adding that the country’s economy is on the path of structural adjustment that will surely uplift the nation and the citizenry.
He said: “rather than turning vicious in our critisms of the policies and programmes of the government, the citizens should support the President to build a virile nation where the people will be better for it in short term.”
