By: Al Humphrey Onyanabo

Newly installed Amanyanabo of the Source, (Elem Kalabari) Da- Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, Dabaye Amakiri 1, has told kidnappers, land grabbers, Bunkerers , drug sellers and sea pirates operating in the waters around Elem Kalabari to pack up and leave or face his wrath.

Speaking to residents of Elem Kalabari and adjoining communities who came to welcome him on New years day 2025, after the Ekine Sekiapu traditional rites had been performed, King Dokubo-Asari said,

” Illegal oil bunkering destroys the environment and pollutes the waters which affects the livelihood of our people who are fishermen. If you know anyone involved in oil bunkering around here or who has a Bunkering point here, be he your friend or relative, no matter how highly placed, tell them I said enough is enough, they must pack and leave other wise, we will catch them, deal with them before handing them over to the government. We won’t tolerate such in this kingdom anymore.”

Da -Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari also sounded a note of warning to drug sellers, sea pirates and kidnappers who have been plying their nefarious trade in Elem Kalabari and neighbouring communities,
Hear him,
” Illicit drugs destroys the mind of its users and makes them useless to themselves and the society. Those who are involved in such business will not be tolerated in this vicinity henceforth. They must leave our land immediately.

I am also sounding a note of warning to kidnappers and sea pirates who harass people on our waters going about their legitimate business.

Our men will henceforth patrol these waters and to provide security for lives and properties and any sea pirate or kidnapper caught will be dealt with. Again if you know anyone involved in such tell them I said it’s time to pack up and go”.

He also added,
“Tell all those land grabbers around here that their time is up. The land owners have come to take over their land. Whatever of our land they have taken over or encroached upon, we will take everything back, I can assure you of that.”

The monarch expressed sadness at the deplorable state of the community which has no government presence whatsoever.

” There is no ward here, no census and no voting takes place here, look at even the house of Da- Amakiri, our father , a large tree has grown in front of it. The neglect over the years is too much.”

Going round and speaking to the inhabitants we discovered that Elem Kalabari has no school (s) be it nursery, primary or secondary, no health centre or hospital, no internal roads or electricity, markets, banks or communication mast but that neglect he said ended on January 1st, 2025 when he stepped foot on the land as it’s monarch.

He told the crowd,
” Go around now, take pictures of this place for record purposes, by this time next year, January 1st 2026, come back, you will be shocked at the level of transformation and development that will take place here.”

Da- Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari revealed that that massive dredging and reclamation will soon commence in Elem Kalabari. All the houses in the community which are in various sources of dis- repair he said will be pulled down and modern buildings built and handed over to the present occupiers at no cost to them. A modern city he said will rise out of the present neglect that will shock everyone.
” What we will do here will tingle the ears of all who hear it.”

In his team to Elem Kalabari on his inaugural visit were three surveyors who went to work at once mapping out the land.

The team leader told our reporter the terrain was tasking to work on as his men had to go deep into the muddy and slimy mangroves to map out the land.

The monarch said one hundred and fifty men will be mobilised to Elem Kalabari from January 2nd, 2025 to start bush clearing and cleaning to give the place a new look before the commencement of dredging and sand filling in the coming weeks.

“In two months time, you won’t recognize what this place will become. All I ask of you people is your cooperation and prayers, so organize yourselves, be united and live in peace and harmony.

What ever is due to you will be given to you, the era where people will sit on the stipends from companies around here is over. You will receive what is due to you henceforth. Those of you women who want your children to go to school, scholarships will be given to your children.”