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Abalama Reception: A Sinister Plot To Incriminate Us -Asari Dokubo
The Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri, Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari, Dabaye Amakiri I, has alleged that the organisers of the Abalama reception for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had a hidden agenda, to provoke a crisis and frame him as the mastermind in a bid to tarnish his reputation.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday at his Obuama residence, Dokubo stated that credible intelligence exposed the plot, in response to which he addressed the world in a live broadcast and withdrew his Royal Fouche Security Services Ltd personnel from the Emohua/Kalabari Road to prevent any escalation.
“We heard rumours that some Kalabari people working with the FCT Minister were planning a reception for him. But beneath this so-called reception was a scheme to entangle us; the Royal Fouche Security Services, in a premeditated crisis, where they had intended to attack themselves and falsely accuse us of instigating the violence.
“I went live and alerted the world about this sinister plot orchestrated by Wike’s supporters,” he stated.
This was contained in a statement by Dokubo’s Chief Press Secretary and palace spokesman, Daerefa-a Christopher Braide.
Dokubo questioned why the event organisers blatantly ignored the traditional ruler of Abalama, who had earlier advised against hosting the reception due to security concerns, emphasizing that this disregard signaled ulterior motives behind the gathering.
He condemned the use of teargas and physical assault by security agents on unarmed women, which included his younger sister and serving member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Boma Goodhead.
“These women merely expressed their displeasure over Wike’s reckless statement belittling the entire Ijaw Nation, yet they were met with violence. Such actions are unacceptable.
The traditional ruler described Wike’s comments about the Ijaw people as reckless, provocative, and deeply unfortunate, warning that Rivers Ijaws, who occupy nine out of the 23 local government areas (LGAs), had taken note of Wike’s derogatory remarks and would respond at the appropriate time.
“Anyone who underestimates the fury of the Ijaw people is a fool. Whether Wike was under the influence of hard drugs or alcohol, it is said that ‘out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.’
“I do not wish to dwell on these matters, but let me be clear—if Wike continues down this path, what he is looking for, I pray it does not happen because if it does, let him gather all his forces, Ijaw people are equal to the task, we will vanquish all of them put together.”
Dokubo also rebuked Ijaw politicians who aligned with Wike, referring to them as “Amaderi-apu” (saboteurs), noting that; “A time of reckoning is coming for those who betray their own people for personal gain.”
He traced Wike’s political rise to the benevolence of Ijaw figures such as Marshal Harry and Patience Jonathan, arguing that Wike had betrayed everyone who helped him attain power.
“Marshal Harry made him a local government chairman. Goodluck and Patience Jonathan made him governor. He once worshiped at their feet, but today, look at his actions. Politicians make the mistake of empowering those they think they can control. Now, he turns around to insult the Ijaw people. How?”
Asari Dokubo cautioned President Bola Tinubu to be wary of Wike’s treacherous nature, labeling him a serial betrayer of his benefactors.
“Wike once bowed and shook Tinubu’s hands with both hands. Now, he shakes him with just one. A betrayer remains a betrayer. The way he will betray Tinubu will be far worse than what he did to Goodluck Jonathan.
“Tinubu must watch his back. Many daggers are aimed at him. Let him not end up like Julius Caesar, crying ‘Et tu, Brute?’”
Commenting on the ongoing Rivers State political crisis, the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri condemned the Supreme Court justices for what he termed judicial overreach, stressing that Rivers people would not accept a judgment that contradicts the Constitution.
“The Supreme Court has turned into Santa Claus, handing out rulings on cases it has no jurisdiction over, creating unnecessary crises in Rivers State.”
He questioned the hasty implementation of the controversial Supreme Court judgment that removed local government chairmen from office, criticizing Governor Siminalayi Fubara for swiftly removing the local government chairmen, accusing him of acting too hastily.
“Yes, the Supreme Court is final, but what happens when it oversteps its jurisdiction? It has no authority over local government elections. That power ends at the High Court.”
He also criticized the court for importing legal arguments that were not before it, particularly the defection of 27 House of Assembly members.
“The Supreme Court ruled on a matter it was never asked to decide on. The defection case is still ongoing at the court of first instance, yet the Supreme Court imposed its judgment. This contradicts legal precedents, including the Plateau case where defectors lost their seats.
“We have always been told that courts do not give judgments on matters not before them. But today, the Supreme Court has become Father Christmas, handing out rulings like gifts.
“The people of Rivers State must rise against this injustice. They must not remain silent in the face of tyranny.”
He also ridiculed Wike’s threats, dismissing them as empty words.
“Wike says ‘when the law speaks, Asawana will run, Asawana will die.’ But did Asawana run? Did Asawana die? No! You do not push a people beyond their limits, because when they finally react, you will see the true consequences of your actions,” he concluded.
Nigerians were among more than 140 residents injured after Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles at the United Arab Emirates, at the weekend.
This raised fresh fears for thousands of Nigerians living and working in the Gulf nation.
The UAE Ministry of Defence disclosed last Saturday that its air defence systems intercepted several missiles and drones fired from Iran, describing the attack as a major escalation in the ongoing regional tensions.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the ministry said its air defence units engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones during the latest assault on March 14.
It added that the attacks left six people dead and 141 others injured, including foreign nationals.
“The UAE air defence systems on March 14 engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the ministry stated.
“Since the onset of this blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,600 UAVs launched from Iran,” UAE added.
According to the ministry, those killed in the attacks included citizens of the UAE as well as foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
“Although the authorities did not specify the exact locations where the casualties occurred, the ministry said the injured victims were from several countries, including Nigeria.
Others affected include residents from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The list also included Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia and Sweden.
The Tide reports that this development has sparked concern among Nigerian communities in the UAE, where thousands of citizens live and work in sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics and trade.
Data from Nigeria’s diaspora commission shows that the UAE remains one of the largest destinations for Nigerian migrants in the Middle East, particularly in the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
The Nigerian government had in recent years raised concerns over the safety and welfare of its citizens in the country following diplomatic tensions and visa restrictions affecting Nigerians.
Saturday’s attacks have now heightened anxieties within the diaspora community, especially as the Gulf region faces growing military confrontations.
In its statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the country remained fully prepared to confront any threats to its security.
“The Ministry of Defence remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine state security in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards its national interests and capabilities,” the ministry said.
In a separate update, the ministry noted that its defence systems were still actively intercepting missiles and drones.
“UAE air defences are dealing with Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles and drones,” it said.
Regional media reports indicate that the attacks form part of a wider escalation of hostilities between Iran and Western-backed forces in the Middle East.
According to Al Jazeera, Iran has continued sustained missile and drone strikes across the Gulf despite protests from neighbouring states.
The strikes were said to be in retaliation for military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iranian positions in the region.
Tehran targeted several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, late on Friday and into Saturday.
The attacks also caused infrastructural damage in parts of the UAE.
Meanwhile, Iran’s elite military wing, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned that US interests in the UAE would remain legitimate targets.
Iranian state media reported that the group issued the warning after US forces attacked Iranian-controlled islands.
The IRGC specifically mentioned ports, docks and military installations linked to the United States as potential targets.
It also urged residents in the UAE to evacuate areas around ports and military facilities to avoid civilian casualties.
Security analysts say the growing exchange of threats and strike across the Gulf could destabilise the region’s economic and aviation activities if the conflict escalates further.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the five new commissioners sworn-in last Wednesday to put in their best for the development of the State.
Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in of the commissioners at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
This followed the successful screening of the five commissioners by the Rivers State House of Assembly, last Tuesday.
The five commissioners are Tonye Bellgam, Prof. Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Mr. Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.
The Tide reports that the governor had sent nine commissioner-nominees to the Assembly for screening, but the Assembly confirmed only five nominees and rejected the nomination of four over various allegations.
Those rejected by the Assembly are Prof. Dantonye Alasia, Mrs. Charity Demua, Mr. Tamuno Williams, and Otonye Amachree.
The governor congratulated the new commissioners on their appointment, noting that their thorough screening by the Rivers State House of Assembly was a proof of their capabilities.
He urged them to deploy their wealth of experience in various fields and put the State on a fast lane of development.
“Ordinarily, I am supposed to charge you on your responsibilities and how to operate. But that has been taken care of by the screening at the Assembly.
“I believe that going through one of the most rigorous screenings, it is enough to say that for those of you who succeeded, you are fit and ready to deliver to our dear State.
“So there is no further charge. The screening was the charge, so I wish you the best as I don’t expect anything less than the best from you,” Fubara said.
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, destroying a reactivated illegal refinery site in Rivers State and intercepting suspected stolen petroleum products in Calabar, Cross River State.
The Director of Naval Information, Capt Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement released in Abuja, yesterday.
Folorunsho said personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, destroyed a reactivated illegal refinery site at Okolomade Community in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He said the action followed credible intelligence that a previously dismantled illegal refining site had resumed operations.
According to him, an Anti–Crude Oil Theft team deployed to the location discovered that the dismantled refining oven had been reconstructed.
“Further exploitation of the area led to the discovery of additional refining equipment and storage facilities containing about 3,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),” he said.
Folorunsho added that the illegal refining infrastructure, including ovens, storage tanks, hoses, connected pipes and newly acquired metal components used for illegal refining, was destroyed in line with operational procedures.
He said personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory, in another operation, intercepted about 3,950 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products at the Nigerian Ports Authority area in Calabar, Cross River State.
He said the interception was based on credible intelligence on suspected siphoning of petroleum products from vessels berthed at the port.
The naval patrol team, according to him, swiftly deployed to the area and traced the illegally siphoned products to a trailer park within the port facility.
“On sighting the naval patrol team, the suspected perpetrators fled the scene, after which the area was cordoned off and the illegally siphoned products secured,” he said.
Folorunsho said further inspection led to the recovery of about 3,950 litres of Automotive Gas Oil stored in drums and jerrycans, which had been evacuated to the naval base for further necessary action in line with extant regulations.
He noted that the successes aligned with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, to intensify operations against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Folorunsho reiterated the Navy’s commitment to sustaining the operational tempo of Operation DELTA SENTINEL through intensified surveillance, patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage.
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