Asari Dokubo, former leader of the Ijaw Youth Council and ex-Niger Delta militant, has accused President Bola Tinubu of supporting Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike in efforts to destabilize Rivers State. In an interview on Arise TV on Tuesday, Dokubo warned of serious consequences if Wike succeeds in removing the current governor, Sim Fubara.
“They think they can remove Fubara and nothing will happen. If you remove Fubara, something will happen,” Dokubo cautioned, expressing his opposition to political interference in Rivers State governance.
He stated, “What is happening in Rivers State is that President Bola Tinubu is supporting Nyesom Wike to disturb the peace of the region. As a stakeholder in Rivers State, I am disappointed that the president allows his minister to run amok, procure judgments, and threaten the people of Rivers State. They are trying to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara, believing nothing will happen.”
Dokubo emphasized, “If you remove Fubara, something will happen. That is it. I’m not seeking any personal benefit. I cannot be appointed minister.”
Despite past criticisms of Tinubu, Dokubo reaffirmed his loyalty, recalling the president’s support during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. “Tinubu stood with me when Obasanjo wanted to bury me alive. I will stand with him any time,” he noted.
Dokubo’s comments come after a video surfaced last week in which he criticized President Tinubu, suggesting he would align with the North rather than the South-West in future elections. However, as an Ijaw from Rivers State, he stated he still supports Tinubu for the 2027 elections due to past favors.
He shared that the President had offered him a pipeline contract, which he declined, insisting his support for Tinubu was not about personal gain. “I am not talking about any ministerial position or board appointment. I won’t even be appointed minister, and I don’t need it. My needs are small, and it’s about my people,” he said.
He highlighted the needs of various ethnic groups in the region, stating, “It’s about the Ijaws, the Ishekiris, the Urhobos, the Igbos, and their oil. They claim oil is no longer relevant, but they are still spending oil money.”
Dokubo also revealed he spent over $2 million on Tinubu’s campaign and several millions in naira to support his rise to power, emphasizing that he does not regret it.