Nigerian Militant Leader Asari Dokubo Sparks Debate with Viral Video Questioning America's Christian Identity

 Nigerian Militant Leader Asari Dokubo Sparks Debate with Viral Video Questioning America's Christian Identity In a viral video that has...

 Nigerian Militant Leader Asari Dokubo Sparks Debate with Viral Video Questioning America's Christian Identity

In a viral video that has ignited widespread discussion on social media, former Niger Delta militant leader Asari Dokubo challenged the notion of America as a "Christian country" while emphasizing his commitment to religious tolerance. The clip, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user @emmaikumeh on January 5, has sparked debate, drawing a mix of support, mockery, and accusations amid escalating U.S.-Nigeria tensions over alleged Christian persecution.

The video, lasting approximately 3 minutes and 33 seconds, shows Dokubo speaking, he recounts his personal experiences with religious diversity: as the only Muslim among nine siblings, married to two Christian wives, and living peacefully in a non-Muslim-dominated area. "I will never attack anybody because of religion," Dokubo declares, adding that he has faced attacks himself but chooses harmony.

Shifting focus to international affairs, Dokubo questions America's self-identification as a Christian nation. "How is America a Christian country? Who made America a Christian country?" he asks rhetorically, arguing that white Americans are immigrants from Europe and have no right to exclude others, such as those from Pakistan, Somalia, or Nigeria. He decries what he perceives as the criminalization of immigrants and Muslims, vowing resistance: "Enough is enough... Even if it costs me my life, I will fight." The speech ends with a warning about historical injustices empowered by certain groups, seemingly alluding to U.S. policies under President Donald Trump.

Dokubo, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and activism, founded the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force in the early 2000s to advocate for resource control in the oil-rich region. Once arrested on treason charges, he has since oscillated between militancy and political alliances, including support for former President Goodluck Jonathan. His recent statements come against a backdrop of U.S. threats toward Nigeria. President Trump has reiterated plans to sanction Nigeria over reports of rising Christian persecution, including attacks by Muslim militants in the north. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also called for an end to such displacements.

In response to Trump's warnings, Dokubo has issued defiant messages in other videos, mocking the U.S. leader and threatening retaliation if America intervenes in Nigeria. One clip shows him telling Trump, "If America comes to our country, we will...," in reference to potential military action over oil fields or terrorist bombings in northern Nigeria. He has also clashed with Nigerian figures like activist Dachomo over claims of Christian genocide, accusing them of exacerbating problems triggered by Trump's pronouncements.

The X post amplifying Dokubo's video has elicited polarized reactions. Supporters praise his stance on tolerance, with one user noting, "Religious freedom exists precisely because America is a Christian country." Critics, however, accuse him of hypocrisy or worse. Several posts link Dokubo to alleged alliances with Boko Haram, citing Sheikh Ahmad Gumi's claims that emissaries from the Middle Belt and Niger Delta have sought collaboration with the Islamist group to destabilize Nigeria from the south. "Asari Dokubo is a threat to the entire South South and Southeast," one user warned.

Humor and skepticism dominate many replies. Users mock Dokubo's bravado against the U.S., with comments like "Asari Dokubo has disappeared from Nigeria because of President Donald Trump" and jokes about him "buying market" (causing trouble) for the Niger Delta. Others question his consistency, sharing older clips where he appears more aggressive, concluding, "Man no be God."

U.S. Representative Riley Moore has highlighted internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue State, sharing accounts of persecution that fuel international scrutiny. Trump has cited statistics, such as 33% of Nigerian immigrants in the U.S. relying on government benefits, as part of his rationale for potential deportations or interventions.

Critics label Dokubo a "potential international Islamic terrorist," while defenders see his words as a call for equity.

Family Writers Press International.