The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately apprehend Asari Dokubo, a prominent Niger Delta leader and former agitator. HURIWA accuses Dokubo of unlawfully possessing assault rifles and issuing threats against the lives and property of Igbo people in the country.
In a statement released by Emmanuel Onwubiko, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, the civil rights advocacy group has given a 72-hour ultimatum to the government to arrest Dokubo or face nationwide protests, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
HURIWA alleges that Dokubo has links to “unknown gunmen” in the South East and emphasizes the need for the DSS or any other security agency to take immediate action against him.
Earlier in June, Dokubo visited Tinubu at the Aṣọ Villa in Abuja and made controversial statements, revealing his involvement in various conflicts across Nigeria. In a viral video, Dokubo was seen brandishing multiple AK-47 rifles and issuing threats against Igbo individuals who supported Peter Obi of the Labour Party in the presidential poll, opposing Dokubo’s preferred candidate, Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
HURIWA claims that media houses have verified the authenticity of the video and insists that Dokubo should be arrested for gunrunning and making threats against Igbo people. Furthermore, HURIWA highlights Dokubo’s public request for the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as evidence of his animosity towards the Igbo community.
HURIWA concludes by warning that if the Federal Government fails to take action against Dokubo, peaceful protests will be organized simultaneously by Igbo youths, supporters of the Igbo people, and other concerned groups. The group emphasizes that the rule of law must prevail, and Nigeria should not be perceived as a lawless state.
SOURCE: The Guardian
IMAGE: Amanda Chisom
