Former Niger Delta militant, Asari Dokubo, has engaged in a heated exchange with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), criticizing their portrayal of him as a freedom fighter turned bunkering militant and political thug. The verbal confrontation between Dokubo and IPOB was captured in a video released on Tuesday night through social media channels. In the video, Dokubo went on to make controversial remarks about the Igbo people, referring to them as slaves who owe their freedom to the intervention of the British government.
During his impassioned speech, Dokubo expressed his belief that the Igbo people lack a genuine understanding of their heritage and fail to acknowledge the significance of those who purchased their ancestors. He further claimed that the mere identification of oneself as a member of the Kalabari tribe does not guarantee a true understanding of the tribe’s essence. In an attempt to debunk allegations of his absence or retreat, Dokubo defiantly asserted his presence in the video, simultaneously dismissing the Igbo people as attention-seekers.
Adding an extra layer of complexity to the situation, Dokubo recently paid a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during which he labeled Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, as a criminal responsible for aggravating the crises that arose during the nationwide #EndSARS protests. Dokubo advocated for Kanu to face legal consequences for his actions.
In response, IPOB swiftly issued a statement through its media and publicity secretary, Emma Powerful, refuting the claims made by Dokubo. The pro-Biafra group defended Kanu, stating that he is not a criminal but a political prisoner who has been incarcerated due to his unwavering dedication to the cause of a sovereign state of Biafra. According to IPOB, those who support Kanu’s prolonged detention fail to acknowledge the distinction between his advocacy for the Biafran cause and criminal activities motivated by financial gain.
IPOB further emphasized that Dokubo’s evolution from a freedom fighter to a bunkering militant, and subsequently to an ex-militant, oil pipeline guard, Biafra agitator, ex-agitator, political thug, and government informant, does not invalidate Kanu’s pursuit of Biafra’s self-determination. By likening Dokubo to a pig, IPOB conveyed its belief that regardless of how Dokubo presents himself, his true nature remains unchanged.
The exchange between Asari Dokubo and IPOB has ignited intense debate and further exacerbated the already tense relationship between various factions advocating for the rights and sovereignty of different ethnic groups in Nigeria. As the discourse continues, the nation eagerly watches how these conflicting ideologies will shape the political landscape moving forward.
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