US Condemns Dokubo, Tompolo, Others Over Statements

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has revealed their disgust with Niger Delt militants, Alhaji Mujaheed Dokubo-Asari, Victor Ben Ebikabowei aka Boy Loaf, and Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo over their recent inflammatory remarks concerning the upcoming national elections.The commission warned the militants through their report, issued by their chairperson, Dr Katina Lantos Swett, that such remarks could lead to religiously motivated violence if proper measures are not taken by politicians and security agents in time.The militants had said that if President Goodluck Jonathan fails to win the national elections, then the militants would take back their oil by all means possible.USCRIF called on all political parties in the nation to mentor their members on the importance of avoiding violence along religious lines. It also called on the Nigeria’s police and judiciary to impartially hold accountable all perpetrators of electoral violence.The agency also praised the United States decision to deny entry into the US for anyone engaged or planning to engage in electoral violence in the upcoming polls.It said that the decision would send a strong message in support of peaceful elections in the country. It also maintained that every effort needed to be undertaken to ensure peaceful elections and prevent the use of religion to stir up more violence.The United Nations Security Council has condemned the recent surge of Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria.The 15-member council sent their sympathies to all those affected by the violence in Nigeria and Chad.They said that the activities of the sect are undermining the peace and stability of the West and Central African region.They urged the region to continue their cooperation in fighting the group, especially the Chadian army’s recent swift assistance in fighting the insurgent group in Cameroon, which resulted in the death of 123 Boko Haram combatants and the capture of others.The Chadian army has been praised by Nigerian critics for their swift and effective methods which have so far proved positive in battling the terrorists in Nigeria andCameroon.