Leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, Chief Asari Dokubo and a and former presidential aspirant, Tein Jack-Rich, both from Rivers State, have called for peace amid the current political situation in the state.
They made the call yesterday when Jack-Rich paid Dokubo a courtesy visit at his home in Obuama, Degema local government area of the state, and also called for support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Dokubo, who noted with concern the political impasse in the state, said though it was normal to have disagreements, the leaders should not continue bearing grudges against one another.
He said Rivers people could not afford to be left behind at the federal level, and must take advantage of President Tinubu’s inclusive government and give him all the support he requires to succeed.
Dokubo dispelled rumours of a rift between him and the president, saying though he was not happy about certain things, he however, had put all that behind him and would continue to support Tinubu in his quest to restore the dignity of Nigeria.
“I am not a regular politician; I am just a friend of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am not looking for an appointment, but those seeking appointment made sacrifices and are looking up to me to ensure that their sacrifices are not in vain,” he said.
Dokubo, who recalled that his friendship with Tinubu dates back to the early 90s, said he had complete faith in the president’s capacity, leadership qualities, and passion for equity and justice.
“I will not do anything that will cause the president pain, and so those around me can be rest assured that I am indeed a great supporter of the president,’’ he said.
He further explained that though he also had some disagreements with Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, they had managed to resolve their differences and had agreed to work together in the best interest of Rivers.
Dokubo, therefore, called on Fubara and the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, to settle amicably whatever differences they had, and work together to ensure that Rivers people enjoyed the dividends of democracy, both at the federal and state levels.
“And as our brother (Jack-Rich) said, we must always move forward and work for the good of Rivers,’’ he appealed.
Speaking earlier, Jack-Rich lauded Tinubu for his timely intervention in the political crisis in the state.
He said the president’s intervention had doused further tensions in the state, and restored confidence of hope for the people and investors.