Ex-Militant Asari Dokubo Moves Against Tinubu
The formerly close relationship between President Bola Tinubu and ex-Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, appears to have fractured, with Dokubo now publicly voicing his discontent against the president.
Once a fierce advocate for Tinubu, Asari Dokubo was known for his staunch loyalty, often threatening to retaliate against anyone who insulted or criticized the president. In the months following Tinubu’s inauguration, the two were seen as close allies. Dokubo even visited Aso Rock, where he was granted the unusual privilege of addressing the press, a move that drew criticism from many Nigerians.
Akpabio in APC Amid PDP Crisis At one point, Dokubo famously paraded his militants in a video, vowing to protect the president’s honor from detractors. This demonstrated the depth of their alliance, with Dokubo acting as a self-declared enforcer for Tinubu’s image.
However, this once-solid partnership appears to have deteriorated. Nearly a year after Tinubu assumed office, Dokubo has taken to social media to lament what he describes as neglect by the president, particularly after he claims to have sacrificed much to support Tinubu’s rise to power.
Dokubo’s frustration centers around what he perceives as Tinubu’s preference for former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Wike, who has been locked in a power struggle with his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, seems to have garnered Tinubu’s favor, much to Dokubo’s dismay. In a video posted online, Dokubo directly addressed the president, expressing his displeasure. “Mr. President should also have respect for my feelings. I am an Ijaw man. If the President chose Wike and refuses to show respect for my feelings, then if anything happens, he should not call me,” Dokubo warned.
He went on to say that he may soon have to choose between his loyalty to Tinubu and his loyalty to his people, the Ijaw. “I stood by him, but there will come a point I will have to choose between my people and my friend,” he added. Dokubo also pointed to financial reasons behind the political dynamics, noting that while Governor Fubara of Rivers State had provided financial support to him, Wike’s political influence stems from his ability to outspend others.
“Fubara has given me money… Why are the politicians following Wike? Because Wike gives out more money,” Dokubo remarked, implying that loyalty in the political arena often follows financial incentives. In a video posted on social media on Wednesday night, Dokubo, addressing Tinubu directly, said the president should also have consideration for his feelings or he would prioritize his Ijaw people over his friend.
“Mr President should also have respect for my feelings. I am an Ijaw man. If the President chose Wike and refuses to show respect for my feelings, then if anything happens, he should not call me,” he said. “I stood by him but there will come a point I will have to choose between my people and my friend. Fubara is a no go area. Fubara has given me money, you can go and say it. Why are the politicians following Wike? Because na Wike dey give money pass. “They say Fubara be like aka gum, so if I choose to follow aka gum and leave POS Africa, it shows what it means. POS Africa wotowoto na hin e dey give. Him no dey look back. Why him no go give? Because no be him money na, him corner am.
