South-West Nigeria and the Marginalization of the Ijaw Nation: Asari Dokubo's Call for Alliance with the North
By Wisdom Tide
October 26, 2024
In a recent statement, former Niger Delta militant leader Asari Dokubo expressed deep dissatisfaction with what he describes as continued marginalization of the Ijaw people in South-South Nigeria by South-Western leaders. Dokubo, disillusioned with the current administration, claims that the Ijaw nation has endured systematic oppression under South-West leadership. He highlights perceived injustices and warns of possible alliances with Northern Nigeria if these issues are not addressed.
Historical Context of Ijaw Marginalization by South-West Leaders
The Obasanjo Era: Impact of the Land Use Act
Dokubo criticizes former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a leader from the South-West, for what he considers policies that suppressed the rights and resources of the Ijaw people. During Obasanjo’s tenure, he introduced the Land Use Act, which, according to Dokubo, disproportionately impacted the Niger Delta region by centralizing control over land and resources under the federal government. Dokubo believes that these regulations were designed to prevent oil-producing areas, particularly those in the South-South, from accessing and benefiting from their natural resources.
He claims that Obasanjo’s policies were a deliberate attempt to weaken the economic foundation of the Ijaw people. By centralizing control, Dokubo argues, Obasanjo effectively deprived the Niger Delta’s communities of the wealth generated from their own land, leaving the Ijaw people with limited agency over their resources.
The Tinubu Administration: Concerns over Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs
Abolition of Niger Delta Ministry and Introduction of Regional Commissions
Dokubo further alleges that President Bola Tinubu, another South-Western leader, has continued this pattern of marginalization by dissolving the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. He voices concerns over the recent creation of regional development commissions intended to address local issues across Nigeria, but which fail to establish a dedicated commission for the South-South.
He expresses concern that the restructuring under Tinubu’s administration may eventually lead to the abolition of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Dokubo believes that this would be a severe blow to the Ijaw people, reducing the region’s access to federal support and resources.
Ownership of Oil Assets in the Niger Delta
Another point of contention for Dokubo is what he views as Tinubu’s consolidation of oil companies in the Niger Delta region. According to him, the President’s alleged acquisition of major oil interests within the region signals a shift in resource ownership away from the local Ijaw people and into the hands of a few South-West elites. Dokubo interprets these moves as a systematic effort to strip the Ijaw people of their economic and political power, further alienating them from their natural resources.
Rekindling Alliances with the North: A Strategic Move
Apology to Ijaw Founding Leaders
Asari Dokubo expressed regret that alliances with the North, once considered strategic by Ijaw leaders, were later abandoned. He apologized to prominent Ijaw figures, including late Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye and Senator Melford Okilo, acknowledging the wisdom of their decision to form a political alliance with Northern Nigeria. Dokubo believes these leaders possessed a clear vision of the challenges faced by the Ijaw people and that their original alliances with the North were established to safeguard the Ijaw nation’s interests.
The Potential Benefits of Northern Support
Dokubo’s appeal for renewed ties with the North is driven by his belief that a strong Northern alliance could help counterbalance what he perceives as oppressive policies from South-Western leaders. He argues that this partnership could provide the Ijaw nation with the leverage needed to ensure equitable treatment of the Niger Delta region and resist further marginalization.
Criticism of Tinubu’s Advisors and Policies
Advisors and the Marginalization of the Ijaw Nation
Dokubo attributes Tinubu’s decisions to the influence of advisors who, he claims, underestimate the Ijaw people’s strength and determination. He asserts that Tinubu’s administration is emboldened by an assumption that the Ijaw people will not resist. However, Dokubo warns that this underestimation is both reckless and shortsighted, emphasizing that the Ijaw nation has a strong capacity for political action.
According to Dokubo, the current political climate has pushed the Ijaw people to their limits. He warns that the consequences of continued marginalization could be severe, hinting at a unified response that would have far-reaching effects on Tinubu’s administration and potentially on Nigeria as a whole.
Calls for Restoring the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry
Dokubo highlights the risk of political unrest should Tinubu fail to restore the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, which he believes is critical for addressing the unique challenges faced by the Ijaw people. He argues that dissolving this ministry signals a lack of commitment to the Niger Delta region and that its restoration is necessary to avoid further alienating its residents. He emphasizes that the ministry’s abolition, combined with other recent actions, may drive the Ijaw people toward more drastic measures if their concerns are not addressed.
Regret Over Supporting Tinubu’s Presidential Bid
Disillusionment with the President’s Leadership
Dokubo expresses disappointment with his previous support for Tinubu’s presidential campaign. He states that he took personal risks to help secure Tinubu’s victory, believing that the President would be a fair leader for all Nigerians. However, given recent developments, he regrets his support, citing disillusionment with Tinubu’s approach toward the Niger Delta region and the Ijaw people specifically.
Mobilizing Youth for a 2027 Election Challenge
The former militant leader suggests that he will leverage the support of millions of youth in the Niger Delta to oppose Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 unless these issues are resolved. Dokubo warns that failure to address the Ijaw people’s concerns could result in widespread unrest, which would have profound implications for Nigeria’s political and economic stability.
Concerns Over Tinubu’s Influence in Rivers State
Potential Impact on Regional Stability
Dokubo also accuses Tinubu of attempting to interfere with the political landscape in Rivers State, including efforts to unseat the current governor. He cautions that such interference could destabilize the region and spark unintended consequences that would affect Tinubu’s administration.
Warning Against Underestimating the Ijaw’s Strength
As a final note, Dokubo reminds Tinubu of the resilience and influence of the Ijaw people, urging him to reconsider any policies that could be perceived as oppressive. He cautions the administration against misjudging the strength and determination of the Ijaw people, asserting that any further marginalization will meet with significant resistance.
Conclusion: A Call for Equity and Mutual Respect
In his address, Asari Dokubo calls on the current administration to adopt policies that respect the rights and contributions of the Ijaw people. He emphasizes the need for balanced and inclusive leadership that recognizes the unique circumstances of the Niger Delta region. By urging the Tinubu administration to restore the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and respect regional autonomy, Dokubo aims to foster a more equitable approach to governance in Nigeria.
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