Asari-Dokubo Strongly Warns President Tinubu: "Stay Out of Rivers State'. Internal Affairs
Introduction
In a charged political atmosphere, Asari-Dokubo, a prominent figure in the Niger Delta, has issued a stern warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding what he perceives as meddling in the internal affairs of Rivers State. The warning follows a series of actions and alliances that suggest President Tinubu’s tacit support for former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, against the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Asari-Dokubo, a fearless leader in the Niger Delta with substantial influence, has called out both Wike and Tinubu, expressing strong discontent with what he sees as undue interference in Rivers State politics. This article explores the context behind these tensions and why President Tinubu should carefully reconsider his approach to Rivers State’s internal matters.
Asari-Dokubo: A Voice of the Niger Delta
Asari-Dokubo is a well-known figure whose influence in the Niger Delta region is not to be taken lightly. As the leader of the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force, he has long been a defender of the region's interests, advocating for the rights and autonomy of the Ijaw people and the broader Niger Delta. His words carry weight, and any leader who underestimates his influence risks alienating a significant portion of the region’s population.
In his recent statement, Asari-Dokubo made it clear that President Tinubu should be more mindful of the sensitivities surrounding Rivers State politics. He emphasized that while he has supported the president in the past, his loyalty to his people and their interests remains paramount. Asari-Dokubo's warning to the president is not just a personal plea; it is a reflection of the broader sentiments within the Niger Delta community. The president must take heed of these warnings to avoid further complications in a region already fraught with political complexities.
Wike’s Attempt to Dominate Rivers State Politics
At the heart of the current tension is Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, who now holds a federal position in President Tinubu’s cabinet. Wike has been accused of attempting to exert undue influence over the current governor, Sim Fubara. Asari-Dokubo pointed out the irony of Wike's actions, given that during his own tenure as governor, no one attempted to control or dictate his administration. Wike served two terms as the governor of Rivers State, and his political power is well-known, but now, his influence appears to be creating friction between key figures in the state, including the current governor.
Wike’s growing influence in the federal government seems to have emboldened him to try to maintain control over Rivers State, a move that many, including Asari-Dokubo, see as unacceptable. Asari-Dokubo stressed that Governor Fubara is the democratically elected leader of Rivers State and must be allowed to govern without interference, especially from someone who has already had the opportunity to lead the state for eight years.
The former governor, who was once a close ally of former President Goodluck Jonathan, was not subjected to external control during his time in office. For Wike now to seek to dominate the current administration contradicts the democratic principles that allow elected leaders to govern independently.
Asari-Dokubo’s Warning to President Tinubu
Asari-Dokubo’s message to President Tinubu was both clear and firm: the president must refrain from supporting Wike against Governor Fubara. Asari-Dokubo expressed his frustration at the president's apparent willingness to align with Wike, warning that if the president continues down this path, the consequences could be dire. He pointed out that his loyalty lies with his people, and if forced to choose between them and his friendship with President Tinubu, he would always choose his people.
The significance of Asari-Dokubo's statement cannot be overstated. He highlighted that his relationship with President Tinubu has been one of mutual respect, but that respect must extend to recognizing the political autonomy of Rivers State and its governor. In his own words, Asari-Dokubo declared: “Mr. President should also have respect for my feelings. I am an Ijaw man. If the President chooses Wike and refuses to show respect for my feelings, then if anything happens, he should not call me.”
This is not just a personal disagreement but a reflection of larger regional tensions. Asari-Dokubo’s warning carries an implicit threat of withdrawing support for the president if the meddling continues, which could further destabilize the already delicate political situation in the Niger Delta.
Governor Fubara: A Leader in His Own Right
Governor Sim Fubara, the current chief executive of Rivers State, has been praised for his performance since taking office. Asari-Dokubo emphasized that Fubara has demonstrated genuine leadership and should be allowed to continue without the overbearing influence of Wike. According to Asari-Dokubo, Governor Fubara is committed to serving the people of Rivers State, and his administration deserves the same respect and autonomy that Wike enjoyed during his own tenure as governor.
Asari-Dokubo also touched on the issue of loyalty, stating that he has chosen to stand by Governor Fubara, even though others may follow Wike due to financial incentives. As he bluntly put it, “Fubara has given me money, you can go and say it. Why are the politicians following Wike? Because na Wike dey give money pass.”
This statement highlights the complex political dynamics in Rivers State, where financial influence often plays a significant role in determining political allegiances. However, Asari-Dokubo’s loyalty to Fubara is based on more than just monetary considerations—it is rooted in his belief that Fubara is the rightful leader of Rivers State and should not be undermined.
Conclusion: A Call for President Tinubu to Reconsider
Asari-Dokubo’s warning to President Tinubu should be taken seriously. The president’s involvement in Rivers State politics, particularly his alignment with Wike, risks destabilizing the region and alienating key figures like Asari-Dokubo. The Niger Delta is a politically sensitive area, and any missteps could have long-lasting consequences for the president’s administration and his relationship with the region.
President Tinubu must recognize that Governor Fubara was democratically elected and should be allowed to govern without interference. While political alliances are a natural part of governance, meddling in the internal affairs of a state—especially one as politically charged as Rivers—could lead to significant unrest.
The president would be wise to heed Asari-Dokubo’s warning and step back from any perceived involvement in Rivers State’s internal matters. Asari-Dokubo’s influence in the Niger Delta is not something to be dismissed, and the president's continued support for Wike could lead to a serious political fallout that could reverberate beyond Rivers State.
In the end, respecting the autonomy of Rivers State and its governor will not only preserve peace in the region but also demonstrate President Tinubu’s commitment to fair governance and the democratic process.
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