…By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media. Civil rights advocacy group, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has urged President Bola Tinubu to address allegations made by former agitator, Mujahid Asari Dokubo.
Dokubo accused the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy of involvement in oil theft in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
In response, HURIWA is calling for the establishment of an independent panel to investigate these claims.
Investigation and Accountability:
HURIWA emphasizes that the government should not spare the individuals responsible for oil theft and insists that they should be identified and severely punished.
The group demands that Dokubo, as the accuser, provide substantial evidence to support his allegations or face prosecution for making false claims.
Formation of an Independent Panel:
To ensure a comprehensive investigation, HURIWA suggests that President Tinubu establishes a seven-member independent panel consisting of criminologists from reputable global forums.
This panel would be tasked with investigating cases of crude oil theft that occurred between 2015 and 2023.
HURIWA stresses the need for the panel to diligently identify, prosecute, and impose severe sanctions on the culprits involved in the theft.
Furthermore, the group insists on recovering all public funds that were diverted through stolen crude oil, regardless of the status of those responsible.
Demand for Evidence and Prosecution:
In addition to the investigation, HURIWA highlights the importance of Dokubo providing irrefutable evidence to substantiate his allegations.
Failure to do so would result in prosecution for providing false information, which is considered a criminal offense.
Conclusion:
The allegations made by Mujahid Asari Dokubo regarding oil theft in the Niger Delta region are deemed significant and damning by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA).
HURIWA’s call for an independent panel, as well as the demand for evidence and accountability, underscores the urgency to address this issue and take appropriate actions against the perpetrators.