Olu of Warri to Asari Dokubo: Prove ₦2.7trn pipeline claim

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has challenged former Niger Delta militant leader Asari Dokubo to produce evidence for his claim that the monarch receives ₦2.7 trillion annually from pipeline surveillance contracts.

The monarch rejected the allegation in a statement issued through Collins Edema, his sole representative to NNPC Limited and its joint venture partners.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the allegation that the Olu of Warri receives ₦2.7 trillion annually from pipeline surveillance contracts is categorically rejected,” the statement said.

“We challenge Mr Dokubo to produce the documentary evidence upon which this extraordinary claim is based.”

Dokubo had alleged that the Olu of Warri and other individuals receive the huge sum annually from pipeline surveillance arrangements.

Responding, Edema said allegations of such magnitude must be backed by evidence rather than forceful public statements.

“His language is frequently categorical, provocative and insufficiently restrained,” he said.

“That style may command attention, but attention should not be confused with credibility, and forcefulness should not be mistaken for evidence.”

The statement also addressed Dokubo’s history as a prominent voice in Niger Delta militancy and political agitation.

Edema, however, cautioned that Dokubo’s background alone should not be used to dismiss his allegations.

“The temptation should not be to dismiss everything Dokubo says simply because of his militant past. That would be intellectually lazy,” he said.

“Equally, neither should his reputation as a fierce Niger Delta voice confer automatic credibility on his allegations. His claims must stand or fall on the quality of the evidence supporting them.”

The Olu’s representative also questioned what he described as changes in Dokubo’s position towards Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

According to the statement, Dokubo had previously criticised Tompolo over pipeline security arrangements and disputes involving Gbaramatu and Itsekiri interests, but had more recently defended him while directing allegations elsewhere.

Edema said the change in position did not automatically establish bad faith but raised questions about what had changed and what evidence supported Dokubo’s current claims.

The statement added that allegations surrounding pipeline surveillance contracts must be treated seriously because of the strategic importance and huge public interest attached to such arrangements.