War Threat: Jonathan Defends Tompolo, Asari Dokubo Others

President Goodluck Jonathan on February 11, during the Presidential Media Chat, tactfully took sides with some prominent Niger Delta militants ​who threatened war should the president lose the forthcoming election.

When commenting on the provocative statements by the Niger Delta militants, President Jonathan excused their actions on the basis that some politicians were instigating young people to act in ways not expected.

He said that provocative statements had been made by his opponents, stressing they too had threatened war.


He added that provocative statements were usually made by “actors” surrounding politicians, adding that such statements might not actually imply the intentions of the politician contesting an election.
He said “You know the actors around you can be carried away. These people (ex-militants) made these statements … based on ….you know when they have been carried away.”
Jonathan noted that he had been careful in making statements, being a sitting president.

He assured that “Nobody will go to war. Nigeria will remain Nigeria​.” the president said.​ “My plea is that without Nigeria, there will be no president.”

Jonathan, however, categorically refrained from condemning the ​​​threats by the militants.

It will be recalled that, during a meeting in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State, Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force; Victor Ben Ebikabowei, aka, Boy Loaf; and Government Ekpudomenowei, aka, Tompolo had in January declared there would be war