Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, the Amayanabo of the Source, Elem-Kalabari Torusarama-Piri, has urged Niger Delta youths to shun violence in the build-up to and during the 2027 general election. He emphasized that elections are meant to produce leaders and should not be treated as a do-or-die affair. Dokubo-Asari gave the advice through his spokesperson and coordinator of Royal Foushé Security Services, Ekiyor Boma-Daniels, at a gathering in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The event, which had in attendance stakeholders from the Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC), Niger Delta People Volunteer Force (NDPVF), chiefs, youths, and women, also commemorated Dokubo-Asari’s arrest by the Federal Government in 2005. Dokubo-Asari advised the youth to follow the constitutional process in choosing leaders and draw from the experience of elders, rather than allowing youthful exuberance to push them into confrontation.
He encouraged the youths to consider alternative means of resolving conflicts before resorting to confrontation. Dokubo-Asari noted that election is a process of bringing forth leaders, not a process of do-or-die, where people will be killed and lose their properties. His remarks were made through his spokesperson, Ekiyor Boma-Daniels.
Dr. Vivian Elenwo, an Ijaw stakeholder, commended the organisers of the event and called for the celebration to become an annual event that will provide an opportunity for Ijaw people to come together. She urged the Ijaw people to emulate Dokubo-Asari’s commitment to the people and strengthen unity among themselves.
George Benjamin-Asieyemia, chairman of the Niger Delta People Volunteer Force, described the gathering as an occasion to honour and appreciate Dokubo-Asari’s contributions to the Niger Delta struggle. He noted that the Niger Delta had produced several sons and daughters who had spoken for the dignity, rights, resources, and future of the people.
Warisenibo Emmanuel, former national secretary of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), described the event as historical, recalling Dokubo-Asari’s role in the Niger Delta struggle and his arrest in 2005. Emmanuel said Dokubo-Asari had been ‘the symbol of hope’ and had taken the struggle to another level, thereby attracting global attention to the concerns of the Niger Delta.
The stakeholders at the event, including chiefs, young men and women, emphasized the importance of unity and celebrating their leaders. They agreed that annual events like this would bring together leaders who had contributed and continued to contribute to the Niger Delta struggle, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Key points
- Dokubo-Asari advises Niger Delta youths to avoid violence in the 2027 general election.
- The event commemorated Dokubo-Asari's arrest in 2005 and celebrated his contributions to the Niger Delta struggle.
- Stakeholders call for the celebration to become an annual event to promote unity among Ijaw people.
