Asari Dokubo, a former militant commander, has called the Bola Tinubu-led administration the “worst government” for the Ijaw people and launched a torrent of abuse.
Dokubo’s harsh criticism was a response to the political unrest that Rivers state is now experiencing.
Like Dokubo, Sim Fubara is an Ijaw man, and Dokubo believes that the current governor’s political rivalry with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, is part of a plot to harm the Ijaw people.
Dokubo expressed serious worries about the plight of the Ijaw people under the present administration and denounced the government’s purported marginalization of them in a video that he put on his social media page.
He compared the government’s actions to pouring gasoline on an already raging fire of anger and accused it of escalating tensions within the community.
Dokubo reflected on the attitudes prevalent throughout the election campaign, recalling discussions in which the Ijaw people voiced concerns about the government’s approach to their well-being.
He recalled assuring his followers and vowing to bear responsibility if their hopes were not fulfilled.
Dokubo issued a dire warning, citing Rivers state as a possible epicenter for any future turmoil in the south-south area and admitting that he was unable to quell the feelings that were building among the Ijaw people.
His quote:
The Ijaw people are already furious, believing that this regime is the worst. This administration opposes the Ijaw people. Additionally, you wish to fan the flames. The worst kind of government is this one. The Ijaw people believe that their current administration is the worst. For them, this is a nightmare.
Many Ijaw people phoned me during our campaign and election, saying, “Ah, president, you know Tinubu, you know everything about Tinubu.” Tinubu is an ally. We hope he won’t turn a blind eye. I also gave my people assurances, saying they should hold me accountable if Tinubu fails. Are you still of the opinion that “if Tinubu fails, hold me responsible”? people ask nowadays.
“A litmus test is the status of rivers. The state of Rivers is where any fire will originate if there is one. I am unable to stop them. As an individual, I’m unable to stop them. Even if I try to get in their way, they will just push me aside.