JUST IN :I Would Have Risen Higher In Rivers Politics, But I Supported Jonathan For Ijaw Loyalty _ Asari Dokubo
JUST IN :I Would Have Risen Higher In Rivers Politics, But I Supported Jonathan For Ijaw Loyalty _ Asari Dokubo
Niger Delta leader and Kalabari chieftain, Asari Dokubo, reflected on his political journey in Rivers State, revealing how his loyalty to the Ijaw ethnic group influenced his career decisions. Dokubo explained that his commitment to regional solidarity sometimes required sacrificing personal political advancement.
According to Dokubo, “I would have risen higher in Rivers politics, but I supported Goodluck for Ijaw loyalty.” He stated that his support for former President Goodluck Jonathan, who hails from the Ijaw ethnic group, was motivated by a sense of duty to the community rather than personal ambition.
Dokubo emphasized that loyalty and ethnic solidarity have historically played a significant role in the political dynamics of the Niger Delta. He noted that while backing Jonathan may have limited his own political trajectory, it strengthened unity among Ijaw leaders and reinforced collective influence within Rivers politics.
The chieftain also highlighted that his decision reflected a broader principle in Nigerian politics, where regional and ethnic interests often intersect with personal ambitions. He encouraged younger politicians to weigh community loyalty alongside career goals, stressing that ethical considerations should guide political decisions.
Dokubo further acknowledged that supporting Jonathan came with both opportunities and challenges. While it may have curtailed some personal gains, it earned him respect among peers and cemented his position as a key figure in Ijaw political affairs. He argued that such decisions are essential for building trust and solidarity in the region.
He concluded by urging political actors to balance personal ambition with loyalty to their communities, insisting that sustainable leadership is rooted in collective progress rather than individual advancement. Dokubo’s reflections provide insight into the complexities of Rivers State politics and the role of ethnic loyalty in shaping political careers.
