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Security
agencies have launched a probe into a statement credited to Niger Delta
activist, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, that Nigeria will disintegrate should
the House of Representatives go ahead with the threat to impeach
President Goodluck Jonathan.
There
were indications last night that Asari-Dokubo, founder of the Niger
Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF), might have been invited for an
interaction by security agents.
The
probe, sources said ,was at the instance of the presidency which was
said to be uncomfortable with such divisive propaganda.
“The
presidency has asked security agencies to investigate circumstances
behind such comments which are capable of deepening North-South divide
in the country,” one source said.
“These
agencies have the mandate to find out whether Asari-Dokubo was working
alone or in concert with others because the nation cannot afford to be
plunged into another civil war.
“The government was surprised that at a time it is trying to reunite the country, Asari-Dokubo could be engaging in war alarm.”
Responding
to a question, the source said: “We did not see the comments as
favouring the government. That is why the presidency asked security
agencies to look into it.
“By not taking action, it could be erroneously assumed that the government was in support of such a divisive tendency.
“The
President is a nationalist, he will not allow anyone under whatever
guise to breach national security and fan the ember of secession.”
Another source said: “I think Asari-Dokubo might have been invited by security agencies, but I do not have the details.
“But there were strong signals that a letter of invitation for an interaction was sent to him.”
None of the security agencies was willing to comment last night on the purported invitation.
All the current lines of Asari-Dokubo were also off last night.
Asari-Dokubo
had asked the House of Representatives to shelve the impeachment threat
against the President failing which the people of Niger Delta would
“resist any such action by whatever means.”
He said:”Nobody should dare us by trying to impeach Jonathan. If they do, there will be trouble.
“All
that we are saying is that they should allow the President Goodluck
Jonathan to complete his eight-year tenure. For over 50 years, they held
the position that Jonathan is holding. They used our resources to oil
their political machinery.”
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