Dokubo Fires Back: ‘Lies And Propaganda Fueling Pipeline Tensions In Rivers State

Asari Dokubo Slams Tompolo Over Alleged Monopoly of Pipeline Protection Contract....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Former Niger Delta militant leader and monarch of Torusarama Piri (Elem Kalabari), Asari Dokubo, has launched a blistering attack on fellow ex-agitator Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, accusing him of monopolizing the highly lucrative pipeline protection contract awarded by the Nigerian government.

In a fiery three-part video shared on social media, which was reposted on March 24 by the verified X account ‘Lord of Warri’, Dokubo strongly condemned Tompolo’s handling of the contract, asserting that it was meant to be a collective benefit for all ex-militant leaders in the Niger Delta.

According to Punch, Dokubo’s comments come amid rising tension among ex-militants following the renewal of the multi-billion-naira surveillance contract and shifting political alliances in the region.

Dokubo recounted a previous instance under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration when a similar coastal protection contract was awarded to Tompolo. He claimed the former president assured that the deal was for the collective benefit of the ex-militant leaders. However, Dokubo alleged that Tompolo hoarded the contract and its $144 million annual payout, refusing to share the benefits or engage his fellow leaders.

“We tried to reach out to Tompolo, but he insisted the contract was his alone. He received $144 million per year for three years and didn’t give anyone a kobo,” Dokubo said. “We kept quiet then, but not anymore.”

He also refuted claims circulating in the region that the Olu of Warri was awarded pipeline protection contracts covering parts of Rivers State, specifically in Kalabari land.

“They’re lying that the Olu of Warri has the Rivers pipeline security contract. That’s false. The 83km pipeline from Kula, Elama to Cawthorne Channel—within Kalabari territory—was given to Tompolo, not the Olu,” he said.

Dokubo emphasized that unlike Tompolo, the Olu of Warri demonstrated leadership and humility by engaging stakeholders and distributing benefits across communities, rather than acting unilaterally.

“If it had been the Olu of Warri who got the Rivers contract, how would his approach compare to Tompolo’s? He didn’t just sit in his palace; he engaged people, shared the benefits, and ensured the job ran smoothly,” Dokubo added. “Tompolo, on the other hand, is using military force to silence opposition. Let it be known—I won’t be intimidated.”

While some sources claimed the video was an old clip, it reignited public debate, with further commentary from the X account that originally posted it.

The post clarified that the Olu of Warri’s contract, handled through Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), primarily covered Itsekiri and Ilaje areas—not Kalabari or wider Rivers State. It also praised the Olu for empowering over 60% of local unemployed youth and working in collaboration with multiple ethnic groups without any known human rights abuses.

“Tantita (Tompolo’s firm) can’t compare to PINL,” the user wrote. “No extortion, no abuses, no shady dealings. The Olu didn’t demand loyalty through fear—he brought everyone on board.”