My relationship with Tinubu beyond politics—Asari Dokubo

Former militant leader, Asari Dokubo, has offered his perspective on recent claims that President Bola Tinubu has prohibited ex-Niger Delta militant leaders from visiting the presidential villa in Abuja.

In the wake of reports that prominent militant figures and ethnic militia representatives from the oil-rich region were denied courtesy visits to Tinubu at the villa, Dokubo addressed the situation in an online video.

The decision reportedly followed Dokubo’s own visit to the presidential villa on June 16, which raised concerns due to his subsequent public statements and actions.

It was gathered that Tinubu, in ordering the action, was disturbed by public utterances and actions of Asari-Dokubo in the aftermath of his visit to him days after he assumed the mantle of leadership of the country.

Tinubu was bothered that all “verbal vituperations and militant activities” of Asari-Dokubo in the Niger Delta were subsequently linked to him after the June audience with the notable activist.

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Asari-Dokubo’s unacceptable conduct in the eyes of the presidency moved beyond tolerable level when he took on the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, threatening to deal with the chief executive of the oil-rich state.

The presidency was said to be irked that his association with the president continued to give a wrong signal to the public that he enjoyed the support and backing of the nation’s number one citizen.

Reacting to the development, Dokubo emphasized that his relationship with President Tinubu goes beyond mere politics. Despite his significant support for Tinubu during election campaigns, Dokubo revealed that it has been over 13 years since his last visit to Tinubu’s residence.

The ban on ex-militant leaders’ visits, as outlined by Dokubo, holds little significance for him, as he had voluntarily refrained from visiting both the presidential villa and Tinubu’s house for an extended period.

While acknowledging his recent visit to Aso Rock was influenced by some individuals, Dokubo expressed his sincere wish for President Tinubu’s success in his administration.

Additionally, Dokubo noted that his recent visit to Tinubu at the Presidential Villa is not an isolated incident, highlighting that he has been engaging with the seat of power for an extended duration.