The Head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown, His Royal Highness Dr Israel Agimor Eshanekpe, popularly known as Akpodoro, has cautioned former Niger Delta militant leader Mujahid Dokubo Asari and Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi over comments linked to the reported arrival of United States troops in Nigeria.
In a statement issued Thursday from the Mayoral Palace in Ughelli, Delta State, Akpodoro said the reported presence of US personnel aligns with existing diplomatic and security cooperation frameworks between Nigeria and the United States aimed at strengthening counter terrorism operations.
He referenced previous remarks attributed to Dokubo Asari and Sheikh Gumi regarding US military involvement in Nigeria, noting that such comments had generated concern within national security circles. Dokubo Asari was reportedly critical of American troop presence in the country, while Gumi had opposed US intervention following an air raid on terrorist hideouts in Sokoto, warning that foreign involvement could worsen insecurity.
Akpodoro described such statements as unhelpful and urged influential public figures to exercise caution when addressing sensitive security matters. According to him, comments that appear to discourage international collaboration against terrorism may be misconstrued and potentially undermine national efforts to restore peace and stability.
He stressed that Nigerians deserve improved security and called on security agencies to remain vigilant, ensuring that public discourse does not inflame tensions or embolden criminal groups.
The Urhobo leader also appealed to the Federal Government to sustain strategic partnerships with credible international allies in tackling terrorism and other security threats, emphasizing that safeguarding lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of the state.
