Prominent Niger Delta activist and traditional ruler, Asari Dokubo, has reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, highlighting a decades-long bond of friendship that began in the early 1990s.

Dokubo made the commitment on Tuesday during a visit by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to his palace in Degema, Rivers State. During the meeting, Dokubo shared his deep gratitude for the support Tinubu extended to him during a challenging period in his life, which has shaped their enduring relationship.

He expressed that it was now his turn to reciprocate the loyalty and stand by Tinubu, just as the president had stood by him in the past. “Like you said, my friend, everything that is going to happen, I will be with you in making sure that my friend, the president, succeeds. Everything that I am capable of doing, I will do to make sure that he succeeds,” Dokubo declared.

Dokubo, whose relationship with Tinubu began in 1992—long before he became a traditional ruler—recalled how the president’s support was crucial during a difficult chapter in his life. Reflecting on their journey, he remarked, “I was not a traditional ruler when we met in 1992. I never thought I would ever become what I am today. He stood by me in my most difficult period, and it is now my turn to also stand by him and support him.”

Earlier in the visit, Wike spoke about the purpose of his trip, which was not only to extend New Year greetings to the traditional institution but also to urge the people of the community to rally behind Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Wike acknowledged the non-political stance of traditional rulers but emphasized his personal connection with Dokubo.

“I know that traditional rulers don’t play politics,” Wike said, “but you are my friend, and I felt there’s no way I would come here, where you reside, and your kingdom without coming to greet you and to say happy new year.”