By Cheta Enyoghasi
The West Africa Coastal Dwellers Association has dismissed claims that Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, the poipuler Niger Delta freedom fighter, opposes the #EndBadGovernance protests in the country.
According to the association, Dokubo-Asari was said to have cautioned the organizers not to come to the Niger Delta, claiming that the agenda of those behind the movement did not address the region’s problems.
However, in a statement made available to journalists, Arch Tom Inko-Tariah, President of the Coastal Dwellers Association of West Africa, stated that a speech delivered by Dokubo-Asari at a Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, event in Port Harcourt was edited out of context to imply that the activist was opposed to the protests staged by unhappy Nigerians.
According to Inko-Tariah, stories claiming that Dokubo-Asari, who is famous for advocating the rights of the minority in the Niger Delta, being opposed to the protests are untrue.
“Dokubo-Asari, known for his lifelong dedication to fighting for the people, cannot change at this stage of his life.”
Inko-Tariah emphasized Dokubo-Asari’s dedication to fighting for justice and equality on behalf of his people.
He said, while Dokubo-Asari expressed concerns about the possibility of violence and turmoil during the protests, his opinion is motivated by a desire to protect principles of democracy and avoid the country from becoming destabilized.
“Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari has always been a champion for the rights of the marginalized communities in the Niger Delta and beyond. His focus has been on addressing systemic injustices and promoting peaceful resolutions to grievances.
“It is crucial to understand that his concerns lie not with the legitimate grievances of the protesters but with the dangers of anarchy and attempts to subvert the democratic process through unconstitutional means,” Inko-Tariah added
