Philip Agbese, a house of representatives member, says Asari
Dokubo, a Niger Delta activist, should stop “denigrating” the military.
Dokubo had said the military knows those behind the oil
theft in the Niger Delta region.
“The army and the navy intimidate the civil defence who are
by status, the people who are supposed to guard these pipelines,” he had said.
In reaction, the navy asked the activist to name the
military personnel complicit in the oil theft in the region.
In a statement on Sunday, Agbese, who represents
Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency in the lower legislative chamber,
said the comments by Dokubo are “uncharitable” and “unpatriotic”.
“Dokubo is attempting to bring down the military and make
militancy popular in the eyes of the people,” the lawmaker said.
“I appreciate Dokubo who is my good friend for his
unequivocal stance on a lot of issues but I think he missed the point on this
particular subject.
“Our officers are not
in any way complicit even though much can still be achieved in the areas of
protecting our national assets in the Niger Delta.
“Dokubo simply wants to be involved, which is his right. We
must however, not destroy the reputation of others to get what we want.
“The sacrifices of our military officers and men who make
all the sacrifices to keep the country together should not be taken for
granted.
“If there are lapses, we expect Dokubo, as an elder
statesman, to provide relevant information and support to the troops.
“We have gone past
the era of militancy. If that is what Dokubo is clamouring about, I’m sorry it
is not an option.
“Our military has shown to be equal to the task.”
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