Date Published: 04/26/10

Jitters in Niger Delta over 'Arrest' of Asari

Asari Dokubo

ALLEGED delay of Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, an insurgent leader of the Niger Delta, by security agents from entering Nigeria after a prolonged stay abroad, caused some jitters in the volatile oil and gas region on Sunday.

The Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), an insurgent network, told AkanimoReports in an on-line chat on Monday that if the rebel leader was detained, a fresh reign of terror would have taken over the Niger Delta.

Cynthia Whyte, the spokesperson of the rebel group claimed in her chat with AkanimoReports:

''At about 14.00 hours yesterday, in response to pleas from key stakeholders from across the Ijaw and Niger Delta territory, the flag bearer of the Ijaw and Niger Delta struggle, Alabo Mujahid Dokubo-Asari (Edi Abali of Kalabari) returned to the Nigerian State.

''His return was not without incidents. He was accosted and intercepted by security agents of the Nigerian State who refused him entry into the country and also refused him to go back to Benin Republic and was delayed for 4 hours before he allowed to enter the country.

''He was not arrested as reported by some media centers but remained in his car all the while.

''His return is a culmination of series of visits, pleas and advocacy driven by key heroic ex-combatants of the Ijaw and Niger Delta Struggle.

''We commend the efforts of ex-NDVF leader Ateke Tom, Ebikabowei Victor Ben (aka General Boyloaf) and Government Ekpemukpolo (aka GOC Tompolo).

''The efforts of these heroic ex-combatants of the Ijaw and Niger Delta Struggle were instrumental to convincing Dokubo-Asari to return to the Nigerian State and partake in the restoration, redemption and reconstruction of the Ijaw and Niger Delta territory.

''We also commend the efforts of Former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Oyeinfie Jon Jon, Hon Kingsley Kuku, Ambassador Boladei Igali and the many others who played strong roles to ensure his safe arrival in the confines of the Nigerian State''.