The Rivers Restoration Movement has condemned Niger Delta freedom fighter Asari Dokubo’s recent comments about Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and the Yoruba community.
In a statement, RRM’s Director-General, Johnson Georgewill, described Dokubo’s claims as misinformed and misleading.
Dokubo had alleged that he did not support Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara and threatened that the Ijaw people would align with northern interests in the 2027 presidential election.
The RRM disputed Dokubo’s assertions, emphasizing that his remarks do not represent the broader interests of the Niger Delta or the Ijaw people, according to NaijaNews.
Georgewill noted that Dokubo lacks the authority to speak on behalf of the Ijaw people.
The movement stressed that political alliances should not be based on divisive rhetoric. Instead, stakeholders in the Niger Delta region should prioritize unity and constructive dialogue.
Dokubo’s comments have sparked controversy, with many criticizing his inflammatory remarks. The RRM’s response aims to counter what it calls “a narrative of discord” and promote a more inclusive and peaceful political environment.
The development highlights ongoing tensions in Rivers State politics, with various groups vying for influence. The RRM’s statement serves as a call to action, urging leaders to prioritize the region’s interests over personal agendas.
The movement also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Minister Nyesom Wike for their support of the Ijaw community, particularly in the emergence of Governor Fubara.
Georgewill said: “Chief Asari Dokubo does not have the right to speak for the ijaws and it’s public knowledge that 90 per cent of Ijaw leaders that worked for the emergence of President Tinubu and Gov Siminialayi Fubara in 2023 are presently in appreciation standing firm with the leader of Rivers State politics H.E Nyesom Wike.
“This is evident with the fact that 90 per cent of Rivers State Assembly members from the Ijaw extraction are with the Minister.
“It is public knowledge that Chief Asari Dokubo couldn’t deliver President Tinubu in his unit and never supported Sir Siminialayi Fubara in 2023 to become Governor, so we are amazed about the claim of spending two million dollars to support Mr President.
“RRM want to state it clear for Rivers people and Nigerians to know that in Rivers State, the victory of President Tinubu and Gov Siminialayi Fubara was solely the effort of H.E Nyesom Wike, the leader of Rivers State politics and his political family through the help of God almighty.”
““RRM wants to state that it’s crystal clear that Alhaji Asari Dokubo can’t speak for the Ijaws when it comes to where and who they will support in 2027.
“He also does not have the political structure or might to deliver any candidate for elective positions, so calls of failing any candidate in 2027 should be ignored. The Ijaws will forever be grateful to Mr President and the Minister of the FCT for what they have done to the Ijaws especially the assistance to ensure an Ijaw man becomes Governor of Rivers State after 24yrs of this democratic dispensation.
“As a people that are grateful, we appeal to all political leaders in Rivers State, irrespective of political party for the sake of equity fairness and justice to look inwards and ensure a grateful Ijaw man is allowed to complete the tenure of the Ijaws as Governor because the Ijaws have supported other ethnic groups to lead for two tenure, ” he added.