Nigerian Army seeks peace-building partnership with Amanyanabo of Torusarama, Asari Dokubo

The Nigerian Army has sought the collaboration of the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri, Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari, Dabaye Amakiri I, to enhance peace and order within the jurisdiction of the 103 Battalion, stationed at Obuama in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

This initiative followed the visit of Major General Emmanuel Ejim-Emekah, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, to the traditional ruler’s hometown in Obuama.

During the visit, Major General Ejim-Emekah explained that the engagement was part of his familiarization tour with community leaders and an assessment of troops deployment within his Division, which spans the South-South states.

He emphasized that traditional rulers, as custodians of their communities, bear the primary responsibility for peace-building, while the military’s presence serves as a supportive role.

The GOC also took the opportunity to congratulate Da Amakiri Tubo on his 60th birthday and his recognition as the Amanyanabo of the Source, encouraging the traditional ruler to continue fostering peace in the region, highlighting that this would ease the military’s peacekeeping duties.

While acknowledging the area’s unique security challenges, he noted that the community’s choice of Da Amakiri Tubo as their leader reflected their trust in his capacity to address these issues.

In his response, the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri commended the GOC for the visit, stressing that such engagements enhances security measures and builds community trust, which in turn encourages the public to share vital information with the military.

He affirmed his longstanding support and cooperation with the military in maintaining peace nationwide, while also disclosing his personal efforts in eradicating bunkering activities within his domain, citing the harmful impact on human health and the environment.

The traditional ruler reiterated his commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of his people, despite facing opposition from authorities at times.

He assured continued collaboration with security agencies to combat crime in his domain, the region, and the country as a whole.

However, Da Amakiri Tubo criticized oil multinationals for environmental pollution and neglect of local communities. He particularly condemned the over two-month-long well-head explosion at OML 18, describing it as a failure of corporate social responsibility.

He argued that a responsible organization would have extinguished the fire within 24 hours to prevent environmental and health risks.

The traditional ruler also lamented the environmental degradation caused by daily crude oil loading at Cawthorne Channel, which has greatly polluted the waterways, destroyed marine life, and disrupted fishing activities, adding that the area, once known for its rare species of primates, has suffered significant ecological damage.

Calling for a paradigm shift in corporate responsibility, the traditional ruler expressed his appreciation for the Army chief’s strategic visit and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting peace and security initiatives in the region.