The newly installed traditional ruler of Torusasama Piri in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo, has told oil thieves, kidnappers, land grabbers around his communities in Kalabari to leave or face his wrath.
Asari-Dokubo gave the warning when residents of his communities also known as Elem Kalabari came to welcome and celebrate with him on New Years Day 2025, after the Ekine Sekiapu traditional rites had been performed.
“Illegal oil bunkering destroys the environment and pollutes the waters which affects the livelihood of our people who are fishermen. If you know anyone involved in oil bunkering around here or who has an oil bunkering point here, be he your friend or relative, no matter how highly placed, tell them I said enough is enough, they must pack and leave otherwise, we will catch them, deal with them before handing them over to the government. We won’t tolerate such in this kingdom anymore,” Asari-Dokubo said.
He also warned drug lords and sea pirates who have been plying their nefarious trade in Elem Kalabari and neighbouring communities, saying “Illicit drugs destroys the mind of its users and makes them useless to themselves and the society. Those who are 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 to provide security for lives and properties and any sea pirate or kidnapper caught will be dealt with”.
He further warned, “Those land grabbers around here, that their time is up. The land owners have come to take over their land. We will take everything back; I can assure you of that.”
The monarch expressed sadness at the deplorable state of the community which has no government presence, stressing “There is no ward here, no census and no voting takes place here, look at even the house of Da-Amakiri, our father, a large tree has grown in front of it. The neglect over the years is too much.”
He regretted that “In Elem Kalabari is no school; be it nursery, primary or secondary, no health centre or hospital, no internal roads or electricity, markets, banks or communication mast,” the neglect he said ended on January 1st, 2025 when he was crowned the traditional ruler of the area.
He told the crowd, “Go around now, take pictures of this place for record purposes, by this time next year, January 1st 2026, come back, you will be shocked at the level of transformation and development that will take place here.”
Asari-Dokubo revealed that massive dredging and reclamation will soon commence in Elem Kalabari. “All the houses in the community which are in various sources of dis- repair will be pulled down and modern buildings built and handed over to the present occupiers at no cost”. A modern city, he said, will rise out of the present neglect that will shock everyone.
The monarch said 150 men had been mobilised to Elem Kalabari from January 2nd, 2025 to start bush clearing and cleaning to give the place a new look before the commencement of dredging and sand filling in the coming weeks.
Asari-Dokubo alongside other traditional rulers from other parts of the state were presented staff of office and certificates of recognition by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara on December 31 2024.
The monarch assumed the throne with over 30 years of legacy of standing with the people of the Niger Delta fighting dictatorships, oppression, bad governance and agitating for resource control.
Blessing Ibunge
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