‘Enough is enough’ — Asari Dokubo warns oil bunkers, kidnappers to vacate Elem Kalabari
Illegal oil bunkering destroys the environment and pollutes the waters, which affects the livelihood of our people who are fishermen, Asari Dokubo said.
By Idris Temidayo
Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, the newly installed Amanyanabo of the Source (Elem Kalabari) Da-Amakiri Tubo, says criminals, including kidnappers, land grabbers, bunkers, drug sellers and sea pirates operating in the waters around Elem Kalabari should leave the community or face his wrath.
Speaking to the residents of Elem Kalabari and adjoining communities who came to welcome him on New Year Day, after the Ekine Sekiapu traditional rites had been performed, Dokubo-Asari warned that he would not tolerate criminal activities in his kingdom.
“Illegal oil bunkering destroys the environment and pollutes the waters, which affects the livelihood of our people who are fishermen,” he said.
“If you know anyone involved in oil bunkering around or with a bunkering point here, be it your friend or relative, no matter how highly placed, tell them I said enough is enough, and they must pack and leave, otherwise, we will catch and deal with them before handing them to the government. We won’t tolerate such in this kingdom anymore.
“Illicit drugs destroy the minds of their users and make them useless to themselves and society. Those involved in such business will not be tolerated in this vicinity henceforth.
“They must leave our land immediately. I am also sounding a note of warning to kidnappers and sea pirates who harass people on our waters going about their legitimate business.
“Our men will henceforth patrol these waters and provide security for lives and properties, and any sea pirate or kidnapper caught will be dealt with. Again, if you know anyone involved in such, tell them I said it’s time to pack up and go.”
The monarch hinted that massive dredging and reclamation will soon commence in Elem Kalabari, adding that 150 men will be mobilised to the community to start bush clearing and cleaning to give the place a new look before dredging and sand filling in the coming weeks.
“You won’t know what this place will be like in two months. All I ask of you is your cooperation and prayers, so organise yourselves, be united and live in peace and harmony,” he said.
“Whatever is due to you will be given to you; the era where people will sit on the stipends from companies around here is over.
“You will receive what is due to you henceforth. Those of you women who want your children to go to school, scholarships will be given to your children.”
