During his visit to President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Niger Delta activist Asari Dokubo expressed the region’s backing for Tinubu’s efforts to combat oil theft, aiming to boost the nation’s economy.
Dokubo emphasized that a small group of individuals, alongside their accomplices, were illicitly diverting the region’s resources, thereby undermining the welfare of the citizens.
He further pledged that Niger Delta activists would diligently oversee the proper utilization of the people’s wealth, working towards the collective benefit of the region and its inhabitants.
“We know that oil theft is an organised racket by some powerful people, including military personnel who give directives from Abuja. We have been saying this a long time ago and many Nigerians do not understand the politics in oil theft.
“I told the president that we know the people involved in this theft. Here was a crime being conducted within metres away from security posts of personnel sent to guard these oil installations.
“These security agents were able to intimidate other legally-recognised agencies mandated to guard these installations. We need to speak out against these elements and stop the bleeding of the economy,” he said.
Dokubo conveyed that he had engaged in thorough conversations with the president, ensuring that in the near future, the disruptive elements within the system would be removed to restore order and stability in the Niger Delta region.
He emphasized that the progress of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole should no longer be hindered by a small number of individuals and groups who lack any commitment to its development.
“I will work with all stakeholders to see that oil theft is brought to zero level and also fight other crimes against the wellbeing of the economy of the country in the region,” Dokubo vowed.
