The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized the Defence Headquarters for their recent statements regarding former Niger Delta militant warlord Mujahid Asari-Dokubo.
The military’s reluctance to investigate or arrest Asari-Dokubo, despite his history of issuing threats and displaying military-grade weapons, has been described by HURIWA as an “offensive double standard” that diminishes the integrity of Nigeria’s armed forces.
The criticism follows remarks made by Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, who dismissed Asari-Dokubo’s threats to shoot down military helicopters as “laughable.”
In a press conference held in Abuja, Buba emphasized that the military cannot act on the basis of individual comments, stating, “We are in a democracy, and we are professionals.
Of course, we cannot just, based on somebody’s comments, begin to take certain actions.”
HURIWA, led by National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, condemned this stance, arguing that it reflects a troubling inconsistency in how individuals are treated based on their political affiliations.
“It is shocking that the Defence Headquarters is now hiding under democracy to permit lawlessness only because Asari-Dokubo is a friend of the current president,” the group stated.
They highlighted that the military had previously acted decisively against other figures, citing the raid on the home of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), even when he posed no significant threat.
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The rights group pointed out that Asari-Dokubo has publicly claimed to operate a private army and has made threats against certain ethnic groups, yet no action has been taken against him.
“This public comedy is puerile, laughable, but despicable,” HURIWA remarked, emphasizing the need for accountability in the face of perceived favoritism.
Asari-Dokubo’s recent threats, including a warning to shoot down military jets near his residence, have raised serious concerns about the military’s commitment to law enforcement and national security.
HURIWA has called for immediate action, urging the Defence Headquarters to investigate and prosecute Asari-Dokubo to uphold the rule of law and restore confidence in Nigeria’s armed forces.