Federal lawmaker Philip Agbese (APC-Benue) says the recent statement by former Niger Delta agitator, Asari Dokubo, on the Nigerian military was unpatriotic and unfair.

Mr Agbese, the lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said it was “unpatriotic, uncharitable and unfair” for Mr Dokubo to make such claims against a highly-revered institution like the Armed Forces.

Mr Dokubo had alleged that the bulk cases of oil theft recorded in the oil-rich region of the Niger Delta were traceable to the military.

The lawmaker said the Nigerian Armed Forces had proven to be professional, patriotic, and committed to protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.

Therefore, Mr Agbese said the statement could demoralise troops making sacrifices daily for the peace and security of the nation.

“I appreciate Dokubo, who is my good friend, for his unequivocal stand on a lot of issues, but I think he missed the point on this particular subject.

“The efforts of our military officers and men who make all the sacrifices to keep the country together should not be taken for granted.

“If there are lapses, we expect Dokubo, as an elder statesman, to provide relevant information and support to the troops,” he said.

(NAN)