NDCP Labels Asari Dokubo’s Claims Against Olu of Warri “Baseless”, Demands Evidence

The Niger Delta Coalition for Peace and Justice (NDCP) has rejected the latest allegations by former Niger Delta militant leader Mujahid Dokubo-Asari against the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, describing the claims as baseless, unjustified and unsupported by credible facts or evidence.

In a statement issued in response to Asari’s latest intervention, the Coalition said the allegations were particularly concerning given ongoing peace-building efforts involving the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo communities in Warri and the wider Niger Delta.

The statement was e-signed by High Chief Augustus Abosimagha, National President, and Mr. Newton Etoro-Obong, Secretary-General.

The NDCP said public figures commenting on sensitive regional issues have a responsibility to distinguish between verifiable facts and assertions that could inflame longstanding grievances.

According to the Coalition, the available record does not support the allegations made by Asari against the Olu of Warri.

The Coalition also questioned what it described as inconsistencies in Asari’s public positions, particularly regarding High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and pipeline-security contracts.

“In 2022, Asari publicly criticised Tompolo over the contract and made claims concerning the longstanding Gbaramatu-Itsekiri dispute,” the Coalition stated.

“More recently, however, he has defended Tompolo against some criticisms while directing allegations at the Olu of Warri and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL),” it added.

The NDCP said the apparent contradictions make it necessary for Asari’s latest claims to be subjected to serious scrutiny rather than accepted without supporting evidence.

“Public allegations, particularly on issues involving traditional institutions, security contracts and ethnic relations, must be backed by facts, documents and verifiable evidence,” the Coalition said.

The group warned that unsubstantiated allegations could have consequences beyond the individuals being targeted, particularly in a region where ethnic sensitivities have historically been exploited by political and other interests.

It also questioned the timing of Asari’s latest statements, arguing that they came when the political atmosphere was becoming increasingly tense.

“Who benefits from reopening old wounds at this particular time? That is the question responsible stakeholders should be asking,” the Coalition said.

The NDCP maintained that allegations concerning the Olu of Warri, PINL, Tompolo or any other individual or organisation should be addressed through appropriate institutional and legal channels.

It nevertheless cautioned against using allegations to provoke ethnic suspicion or undermine what it described as fragile peace among the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo communities.

The Coalition urged Asari and other regional voices to exercise restraint and responsibility, insisting that the Niger Delta needs constructive engagement based on facts rather than rhetoric.

It said the region had made progress in promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence and should not be drawn back into “an era of suspicion, confrontation and ethnic mobilisation” based on claims that have not been substantiated.

The NDCP therefore challenged Asari to provide documentary evidence for any allegations he has made rather than rely on assertions which, in the Coalition’s view, are unsupported by the facts currently available.

“Accountability is welcome, but accountability must be anchored on evidence, transparency and due process—not allegations capable of unnecessarily destabilising the region,” the Coalition said.