Former Niger Delta militant leader Asari Dokubo has thrown his support behind Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, amid tensions on the day of local government chairmanship elections in the state. Dokubo also took aim at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing him of sending military personnel to intimidate him.
In a video statement, Dokubo alleged that helicopters carrying soldiers and police officers, reportedly under Wike’s orders, were flying over his residence. He expressed frustration and vowed not to be intimidated.
“Wike’s soldiers and police have been flying over my house with two helicopters. I have the capacity to deal with them if necessary,” Dokubo stated.
The former militant emphasized that neither he nor the people of Rivers State would be subjugated by Wike, suggesting that he possessed the strength to resist any intimidation. “Nigeria cannot surrender to Wike. Rivers people will not surrender to Wike. I have the capacity to contain them, and the government knows that,” he added.
Dokubo, who also expressed his willingness to confront any threats, mentioned that he had no fear of death. “I am 60 years old. I have never been afraid of death. I always embraced death,” he said, adding that he could shoot down the helicopters if he chose to, though he refrained.
The tension between Dokubo and Wike has escalated as Dokubo called on President Tinubu to intervene and remove Wike’s influence. “Let them take away Wike’s power, and let’s see what happens. Without the authority of office, Wike is nothing,” Dokubo declared.
Despite the alleged intimidation, Dokubo remained defiant, asserting that he would cast his vote, and predicted that the results would be announced, chairmen would be sworn in, and the electoral process would continue as planned.
