Ijaw communities under the auspices of Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in Niger Delta, MOSIEND, have distanced themselves from an ex-militant, Mujahid Asari Dokubo, for listing them as part of the Biafran territory under his leadership.
The President of MOSIEND, Kennedy Tonjo-West, who spoke in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday, said all Ijaw communities were insulted by Mr Dokubo’s attempt to associate them with Biafra.
He, therefore, called on the ex-militant leader to tender unreserved apology to the Ijaw.
“Asari Dokubo’s statement is lacking in substance and merit. It is self-seeking and self-serving. He is on a wide goose chase and a lonely Biafran.
“Izon communities can never be Biafran province. Dokubo’s Biafra Customary Government is a figment of his wildest imagination.
“None of the purported province claimed by Asari Dokubo belonged to Biafra. Dokubo’s statement is insultive, provocative, and narrow in perspective. Can he say this before the communities or their kings?
“MOSIEND condemns it and demand apology for his bogus and unfounded claims. Asari is on his own. Asari should not be taking seriously on this matter,” Mr West stressed.
West said Dokubo’s latest adventure would only cause disaffection between the Ijaw and the Igbo and warned the ex-militant against creating enemies for Ijaw people.
He said: “Dokubo’s claim is an affront to the ancestral integrity of those ancient towns he made mention. It is disturbing, misleading and undermining.
“While we respect the views of our compatriots from other ethnic nationality, our agitation should be devoid of ethnic rivalry.
“Izon communities and we believe others feel the same way, are not conquered province, not for sale. Asari Dokubo must not use Izon communities as a bargain chip to advance his selfish interest.”
