Niger Delta Coalition Challenges Asari Over Allegations Against Olu Of Warri
By BLESSING AGWE ODUGO
Coalition Questions Basis of Allegations
THE Niger Delta Coalition for Peace and Justice has rejected recent allegations made by former Niger Delta militant leader Mujahid Dokubo-Asari against the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
The coalition described the claims as baseless, unjustified and unsupported by credible evidence.
In a statement signed by its National President, High Chief Augustus Abosimagha, and Secretary-General, Newton Etoro-Obong, the group said the allegations were particularly troubling amid ongoing efforts to strengthen peace among Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo communities.
The NDCP argued that public figures discussing sensitive regional issues must separate verifiable facts from assertions that could deepen existing grievances.
Group Demands Documentary Evidence
According to the coalition, available records do not substantiate the allegations directed at the Olu of Warri.
Consequently, it challenged Asari to provide documents and other verifiable evidence to support his claims.
The group maintained that accusations involving traditional institutions, security contracts and ethnic relations should not be treated as established facts merely because they have been made publicly.
Instead, it said, such claims should undergo proper scrutiny through appropriate institutional and legal channels.
NDCP Raises Questions Over Pipeline-Security Positions
The coalition also questioned what it described as inconsistencies in Asari’s public positions on High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and pipeline-security contracts.
It recalled that Asari had criticised Tompolo in 2022 over the contract and had also made claims concerning the longstanding Gbaramatu-Itsekiri dispute.
More recently, however, the coalition said Asari had defended Tompolo against some criticisms while directing allegations against the Olu of Warri and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited.
The NDCP said the apparent shift warranted closer examination.
It stressed, however, that disagreements over pipeline surveillance and related contracts should be settled through evidence, transparency and due process.
Warning Over Ethnic Tension
The coalition expressed concern that unsubstantiated allegations could have consequences beyond the individuals involved.
According to the group, the Niger Delta remains particularly sensitive because political and other interests have historically exploited ethnic grievances.
It therefore cautioned against statements that could revive suspicion among Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo communities.
The NDCP also questioned the timing of Asari’s latest intervention, noting that the political atmosphere in the region was becoming increasingly tense.
“Who benefits from reopening old wounds at this particular time?” the coalition asked, urging responsible stakeholders to consider the wider consequences of inflammatory claims.
Peace Efforts Should Not Be Undermined
The group maintained that allegations involving the Olu of Warri, PINL, Tompolo or any other individual or organisation should be subjected to appropriate institutional processes.
It nevertheless warned against using such allegations to provoke ethnic suspicion or weaken fragile peace-building efforts.
The NDCP urged Asari and other influential voices in the region to exercise restraint.
The coalition said the Niger Delta needed constructive engagement based on facts rather than rhetoric.
It argued that the region had made progress through dialogue and peaceful coexistence and should not return to an atmosphere of suspicion, confrontation and ethnic mobilisation.
Evidence Must Guide Accountability
The NDCP stressed that accountability remains important.
However, it insisted that accountability must rest on evidence, transparency and due process.
The coalition therefore challenged Asari to produce documentary evidence supporting his allegations.
Until such evidence emerges, it said, public discourse should avoid presenting unsubstantiated claims as established facts capable of damaging individuals, institutions or inter-community relations.
