Nigeria – Threat By Defence Headquarters To Neutralize Asari Dokubo Undermines Democracy, Says Unyeowaji

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Rt. Hon. Gabriel Patterson Unyeowaji, the Igrigi 1 of the Niger Delta, has raised serious concerns over a recent statement by the Nigerian Defense Headquarters, which allegedly threatened to “neutralize” Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari, the President and CEO of Royal Fouche Security Limited.

Unyeowaji, in a strongly worded statement, posted on Asari’s Facebook account on Saturday, condemned the Defense Headquarters’ response to comments made by Dokubo Asari.

According to him, the military’s threat to “take out” Dokubo Asari violates the Nigerian Constitution, which protects the rights of citizens and ensures that only a court of competent jurisdiction can determine legal actions against individuals.

The controversy began after Dokubo Asari alleged that a helicopter reportedly sent by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had been hovering over his residence in a manner that he interpreted as a threat to his safety. Dokubo Asari described the action as illegal, citing the constitutional right to privacy and the protection of private property. In response, the Defense Headquarters issued a statement threatening to neutralize Dokubo Asari without addressing his complaint or initiating an investigation into his claims.

Unyeowaji raised several critical questions in his statement, challenging the Defense Headquarters on whether it had ordered the helicopter to hover over Dokubo Asari’s residence and why the military failed to address the security concerns raised by Dokubo Asari. He also questioned the motives behind the military’s hasty defense of the helicopter and its aggressive stance towards Dokubo Asari, a man who has contributed to Nigeria’s security efforts.

“Is the Defense Headquarters protecting rogue elements within its ranks, or is it simply trying to intimidate Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari for reasons unrelated to national security?” Unyeowaji asked, emphasizing the need for the military to remain neutral and avoid engaging in political conflicts.

Unyeowaji further criticized the military’s approach, urging them to focus their “skills of neutralization” on more pressing security issues such as the rising threats of banditry and terrorism in the northern regions of Nigeria. He also highlighted the ongoing challenge of former Boko Haram fighters who had been absorbed into the military but later absconded with sophisticated weapons, posing significant threats to civilians.

In his concluding remarks, Unyeowaji called on Dokubo Asari to consider filing for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights against the Defense Headquarters. He also urged the National Assembly, particularly the Senate Committee on Defense, to summon military representatives for questioning and accountability. He stressed that Nigeria is a democracy, and no government agency, including the military, should hold the country to ransom.

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