… Accuses Asari of Using Militants to Patrol Bille Kingdom
By Mandy Tina
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has appealed to the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to intervene in what it describes as unauthorized territorial encroachments by the Amayanabo of Torusarama Piri, Asari Dokubo, into Bille territory.
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the Financial Secretary of INC’s Ijaw Clan, Adokiye Levi-Akinda, on behalf of the Chairman, Comrade Andrew Kio, called on the governor to halt what it termed “unlawful and provocative” activities by Asari Dokubo in the Kalabari-Bille region.
The INC alleged that Asari Dokubo, leveraging his traditional title, has been conducting sensitive territorial surveys and fostering expansionist activities that infringe on Bille lands.
Levi-Akinda accused Dokubo of using militant groups to patrol Bille waterways, creating tension among the local populace.
“The sea routes connecting Bille to Port Harcourt, Okrika, and Bonny Island have become a theater of intimidation and harassment. Militants loyal to Asari Dokubo are reportedly patrolling the waterways, disrupting economic activities and instigating fears of piracy, kidnapping, and violence.”
The INC warned that such actions, if unchecked, could lead to conflict.
“We solicit the intervention of the Executive Governor of Rivers State. HisExcellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to Save Our Souls from the Kalabari people as fronted by the Amayanabe of Torusarama Piri. Direct the said Amayanabo of Tonusarama Piri, Alhaji Mujaheed Asari Dokubo to forthwith stop patrolling the Bille Kingdom territories with all kinds of militants groups subject to his authority and command, but stay confined to the circumference of his Torusarama Piri.
“The governor should direct the Amayanabe of Torusarama Piri, Alhaji Mujaheed Asari Dokubo, to immediately discontinue the unlawful and unauthorized sensitive territorial surveys
“We urge Governor Fubara and all stakeholders to act promptly. The Bille people are committed to peace but will resist any attempts to annex their territory into Kalabari land.”
Kemuel Igbanibo, a stakeholder from Bille Kingdom, emphasized that Asari Dokubo, as a member of Rivers State’s Traditional Rulers Council, should promote peace, not conflict.
“Today, what people are after is peace and anything that will disrupt the peace of our communities we are against it, that is why INC Bille Clan have come to inform the general public that the activities of Asari Dokubu in Bille territory are intending to bring chaos that may result in blood shed.
“We want the governor and stakeholders in the State to call him to order. The role of a traditional ruler is to foster harmony. The ongoing activities in Bille territory threaten to disrupt the peace we value.”
Similarly, Romeo Romeo, another community leader, recalled past conflicts involving Asari Dokubo, expressing concern over the potential for history to repeat itself.
“Between 1998 and 2001, Asari, under the Ijaw Youth Congress, pledged peace with Bille. Today, he has broken that promise, and we won’t allow such territorial aggression to persist.”
The INC concluded by urging the state government to act decisively to prevent bloodshed and maintain stability in the region.
“We foresee that if Alhaji Mujahecd Asari Dokubo, Amayanabo or Torusarama Piri of Elem Kalabari’s excesses are not now curtailed the relative peace we are enjoying in this part of the State might be plunged into unwanted and unnecessary inter- communal confict or crisis.”
