A retired member of the Nigerian Armed Forces Complex and Minister of Communications, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju, has called on ex-Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, to provide evidence of his claims that the Nigerian Army, Navy, and certain individuals are responsible for 99% of the oil theft in the country. General Olanrewaju made this statement in response to Dokubo’s allegations during his meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja on Friday.
In a statement released on Saturday, Olanrewaju expressed his belief that Dokubo cannot make such serious allegations without backing them up with concrete evidence. He urged President Tinubu to direct Dokubo to present any available evidence to the security services, emphasizing that Dokubo cannot have it both ways.
Dokubo had accused powerful cabals, as well as naval commanders, of being behind the massive oil bunkering in Nigeria. He claimed that President Tinubu promised to investigate these allegations and take decisive action to put an end to this illicit activity. Additionally, Dokubo stated that he and his associates are ready to assist in stopping these criminal activities.
Reacting to Dokubo’s allegations, General Olanrewaju dismissed them as nothing more than cheap political blackmail. He went on to challenge Dokubo to report his claims to the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services, inviting them to invite him for questioning in order to set the record straight.
The retired General also expressed his concerns that Dokubo’s allegations may be an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the military and promote militancy among the public. He called for a thorough investigation into the matter, suggesting that a commission of inquiry should be set up to examine the claims and take appropriate action.
Olanrewaju further criticized Dokubo’s actions, stating that he cannot denigrate the entire security services without providing proof of his allegations. As the Commander-in-Chief, it is in the best interest of President Tinubu to address Dokubo’s allegations and protect the reputation of the armed forces.
The retired General also highlighted what he perceived as double standards, as Dokubo moves around with armed men authorized by the federal government while other states are denied the right to establish their own security outfits, such as Amotekun.
“This kind of double standard has no place in today’s political setting,” Olanrewaju lamented. He further cited the NNPC Report by Gen Abisoye in 1993-95, which identified similar lapses that the government had previously ignored.
