Former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, revealed in a recent interview that he took a drastic step by emptying his bank account and investing over $2 million in support of President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election campaign. This financial sacrifice, according to Dokubo, was motivated by his belief that Tinubu’s leadership would bring significant and much-needed progress to the Niger Delta region and beyond.
During his appearance on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Dokubo provided insight into his decision to make this substantial financial commitment, expressing his unwavering confidence in Tinubu’s ability to lead Nigeria. “If Tinubu encounters any difficulty, I will still stick out my neck and stand for him because, at a time, he stood for me,” Dokubo stated, emphasizing his loyalty to the president and underscoring the mutual respect between them.
As the former National President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Dokubo’s words and actions carry significant weight within the Niger Delta community. He continued by saying, “In all my podcasts, I personally said my needs are very small, so what I’m trying to say is very clear: with Tinubu becoming president, I should be able to tell him the truth.” This statement illustrates Dokubo’s desire for a transparent and honest relationship with the administration, grounded in the shared aim of national improvement rather than personal gain.
Expounding further on his motivations, Dokubo clarified that he has no interest in political appointments or personal favors, remarking, “I can’t be appointed as a minister or into any board; I did not lobby for anything, so it’s not personal.” His involvement, he stressed, was solely out of dedication to Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria.
To emphasize his commitment, Dokubo disclosed that “I emptied my bank account and spent over two million US dollars; I can’t count what I spent in Naira. I didn’t take a dime from anybody except Ijakry, who gave me N300 million.” This substantial outlay demonstrates his willingness to support a leader he trusts and his investment in the future of Nigeria under Tinubu’s presidency.