By Esef Atan –Akpaniko
In the words of Henry Miller, “It is with the soul that we grasp the essence of another human being, not with the mind, nor even with the heart”
Asari Dokubo, a name that once resonated with militancy and the fight for environmental justice in the Niger Delta, has undergone a metamorphosis as profound as the lotus flower rising from the murky depths. Son of a retired judge, a man sculpted by the ideals of justice and stern discipline, Asari inherited a formidable moral compass. This compass, however, would point him on a path far more complex than anyone could have foreseen.
Asari, the devout Muslim, stands in stark contrast to his sister, Boma Goodhead, a Christian woman. Yet, despite their differing faiths, a shared stubborn streak for justice binds them. This unwavering commitment to principles transcends the often-divisive boundaries of tribe, religion, and politics. They are two sides of the same coin, forever marked by the imprint of their father’s legacy.
But Asari’s journey has been far from tranquil. The Niger Delta, a region ravaged by environmental degradation and economic exploitation, became the crucible that forged his activism. His fight for the rights of the region’s people, initially peaceful, morphed into a militant struggle, a desperate cry for attention in a world that seemed deaf to their plight.
However, to reduce Asari to just his militant past is a gross oversimplification. He is a man of many facets – a firebrand and a scholar, a warrior and a poet. He is the canon that booms with righteous anger, but also the rose that blooms with the hope for a better tomorrow.
Asari’s present-day pronouncements may surprise some. He advocates for peace and dialogue, urging a shift from violence to more constructive forms of resistance. This evolution is a testament to his growth, a recognition that true change often necessitates compromise and collaboration.
Asari Dokubo’s story is a compelling narrative of transformation, a testament to the enduring power of justice and the unwavering pursuit of a better future. He is a complex figure, a man who embodies the contradictions of our times. But one thing remains certain – Asari Dokubo’s legacy will be forever intertwined with the struggle for a more just and equitable Niger Delta, and Nigeria a cause that transcends the boundaries of tribe, religion, and even past actions.