By Adesina

The President of the Coastal Dwellers Association of West Africa, Arch Tom Inko-Tariah, has described as untrue and mischievous, the representations in the media space that Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari, is opposed to the ongoing protest against economic hardship in the country.

He described Dokubo-Asari as a champion of resource control and minority rights that is only against letting the situation degenerate to anarchy.

According to Tariah, mischief makers on social media cut, pasted and edited a lengthy speech given  by the Alabo Edi Abali of Kalabari Kingdom at a recent Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, event in Port Harcourt to give it a different connotation.

In a  statement issued by Tariah on Monday, he debunked the media reports, and stressed  that Dokubo-Asari known for his lifelong dedication to fighting for the people could not change at this stage of his life,

“What he is actually against is anarchy and any attempts to overthrow an elected government through a coup.”

Tariah highlighted Dokubo-Asari’s unwavering commitment to standing by the people and fighting for justice and equality throughout his career.

He noted that while Dokubo-Asari may have expressed concerns about the potential for violence and chaos during the protests, “his stance is rooted in a desire to uphold democratic principles and prevent any destabilization of the country.”

“Let nobody deceive you that there will be a peaceful protest. It’s not a protest. It’s a call to anarchy. Have you read the ten point demand? A change of government, a change of constitution, and a change of this and that. Is that demand for good governance? That is a coup and we will resist it.

“People have been hungry and this is not the first time. Nobody is happy that people are hungry. We are all working so that the burden on the shoulder of the people will be lifted and carried away. When a government comes to power, we cease to be political party members. We cease to be PDP or APC or YPP or any other political party. We all now have a party called Nigeria. Party Nigeria, that’s what we are and we must all work, no religion says you must pray for your government to fail.

Tariah added, “Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari has always been a champion for the rights of the marginalized communities in the Niger Delta and beyond. His focus has been on addressing systemic injustices and promoting peaceful resolutions to grievances,” Tariah stated. “It is crucial to understand that his concerns lie not with the legitimate grievances of the protesters but with the dangers of anarchy and attempts to subvert the democratic process through unconstitutional means.”

Tariah emphasized the need to differentiate between peaceful protests and actions that could lead to violence or threaten the stability of the country.

He underscored Dokubo-Asari’s advocacy for a strategic, organized approach to effecting change, rather than resorting to chaos or lawlessness that could undermine the progress made in advancing the rights of all Nigerians.

“Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari’s stance against anarchy and a coup should be viewed in the context of his deep-seated commitment to the welfare and future of all Nigerians, especially those who have long been marginalized. His position reflects a dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that democratic institutions remain intact.

” As Nigeria continues to grapple with the multifaceted challenges facing the country, voices like Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari’s play a crucial role in fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and advocating for peaceful solutions. By engaging in constructive discourse and upholding the values of justice, equality, and democracy, they contribute to building a more just and inclusive society for all,” he added.