“Wike Cannot Bribe Me” — Asari Dokubo Speaks on Political Allegations in Rivers

Niger Delta activist and traditional ruler, Asari Dokubo, has dismissed suggestions that his comments on political developments in Rivers State could have been influenced by financial inducement from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Dokubo made the statement in a video shared on Facebook on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, while addressing speculation that some people in Rivers State might accuse him of receiving money from Wike because of his comments or relationship with the former Rivers State governor.

“In Rivers State, some people will accuse me of being bribed by Wike, but Wike cannot bribe me,” Dokubo said.

He maintained that financial inducements would not determine his views or public statements, arguing that people should not automatically interpret his relationships with political figures as evidence that he had been financially influenced.

Dokubo's latest comments come against the backdrop of his previously documented and sometimes changing positions on Wike and the wider political crisis in Rivers State.

In October 2024, for example, Dokubo publicly criticised what he described as President Bola Tinubu's support for Wike during the political dispute involving Wike and then-Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

However, in January 2026, Dokubo hosted Wike at his palace in Rivers State and publicly expressed support for President Tinubu, saying he would do everything within his capacity to contribute to the President's success.

The differing episodes have provided context for speculation about Dokubo's relationship with Wike and other political actors in Rivers State. His latest statement is therefore a direct rejection of the suggestion that his position is determined by financial payments from Wike.

It is important to distinguish Dokubo's assertion from independently established evidence: his statement establishes what he says about himself, but by itself does not independently verify whether any financial inducement has or has not occurred.

Dokubo has also previously been outspoken about the Rivers political crisis, including criticism of Wike's influence in the state and disagreement with aspects of the Supreme Court's handling of Rivers-related disputes.

What Dokubo's statement means

At its core, Dokubo's latest comment is a rejection of allegations of financial influence. He is asking the public to assess his statements based on their substance rather than assuming that political association or engagement with Wike necessarily means he has been paid.

The remarks are likely to attract further attention because of the continuing political significance of Wike in Rivers State and Dokubo's prominent role in public discussions concerning the region.

Source: Newsvista/Phoenix report, with additional context from Channels Television, TheCable, Punch and Pulse.