Asari Dokubo Biography
Asari Dokubo, born Melford Dokubo Goodhead Jr. on June 1, 1964, is a prominent political figure of the Ijaw ethnic group in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
He was the president of the Ijaw Youth Council starting in 2001 and later founded the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF), which became one of the most notable armed groups in the region.
Dokubo is known for his activism and anti-government stance, which have earned him a reputation as a folk hero among some local populations. He converted to Islam and adopted the name Mujahid Dokubo-Asari.
Asari Dokubo Age
Asari Dokubo is 59 years old as of now.
Asari Dokubo State Of Origin
He hails from Buguma, which is located in Rivers State, Nigeria.
Asari Dokubo Early Life and Education
Asari Dokubo was born on June 1, 1964, into a middle-class Christian family in Buguma, Rivers State. His father served as a court judge, and his mother was a housewife.
Dokubo’s educational journey began in Port Harcourt, where he attended both primary and secondary school. His academic path reflected the typical upbringing of children in his community, where education is highly valued.
After completing his secondary education, Asari was accepted into the University of Calabar to study law. However, his time at the university was short-lived; he dropped out after three years in 1990. Dokubo cited conflicts with university authorities as the reason for his departure. Despite this setback, he continued to seek educational opportunities and later enrolled at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. Unfortunately, his activism led him to leave this institution as well, mirroring the circumstances at the University of Calabar.
Asari Dokubo Career
Asari Dokubo’s career is marked by his transition from education to activism and political involvement. In the early 1990s, after leaving university, Dokubo entered the political arena, running for office in Rivers State in 1992 and 1998. Although these attempts were unsuccessful, they set the stage for his future role as a leader and activist.
In 1998, Dokubo co-founded the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), an organization that aimed to address the concerns of the Ijaw ethnic minority in the Niger Delta. As a founding member and later president, he was instrumental in the issuance of the Kaiama Declaration, which called for the withdrawal of oil companies from Ijaw territories and advocated for the rights and self-determination of the Ijaw people.
Under Dokubo’s leadership, the IYC pursued an agenda of “Resource Control and Self Determination By Every Means Necessary.” This period was marked by increased activism and direct action campaigns, such as ‘Operation Climate Change,’ which began on December 28, 1998. The Nigerian government responded to these actions with a crackdown on the group, leading to further tensions in the region.
By 2004, Dokubo had retreated from public view and founded the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF). This militant group quickly became a significant force in the Niger Delta, funded in part by local and regional politicians who sought to profit from the region’s oil revenue. The NDPVF engaged in armed conflict with rival groups, escalating unrest in the Delta region.
Dokubo’s career as an activist and leader has been characterized by his populist views and anti-government stance. His efforts with the NDPVF were aimed at addressing the injustices faced by the Niger Delta community due to the exploitation of their natural resources by multinational oil companies.
Asari Dokubo Controversies
Asari Dokubo has been involved in several controversies throughout his career. Here are some notable instances:
1. Weapons Display: Dokubo was seen brandishing weapons in a video, which led to public outcry and discussions about inequality before the law in Nigeria. Despite the incident, he was not arrested or summoned for questioning, which raised questions about the enforcement of laws and his relationship with the authorities.
2. Ethnic Comments: In the same video where he displayed weapons, Dokubo made derogatory remarks about the Igbo people, referring to them as “slaves” and threatening violence. This sparked significant controversy and highlighted ethnic tensions within Nigeria.
3. Political Stance: Dokubo’s political views and actions, particularly his support for the self-determination of the Ijaw people and independence for the Niger Delta, have often put him at odds with the Nigerian federal government. His refusal to endorse the legitimacy of the Olusegun Obasanjo government led to his arrest and charges of treason.
4. Militant Activities: As the leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Dokubo has been involved in armed conflicts in the Niger Delta region. The militant activities of the NDPVF have been a source of controversy and have contributed to the unrest in the region.
Asari Dokubo Personal Life
Yes, Asari Dokubo is reported to have multiple wives. He has children from his various marriages, although the exact number of children is not publicly disclosed. He was married to Alhaja Zainab Asari Dokubo, who unfortunately passed away in 2016. He is also married to Boma Dokubo, and together they have four children: Amirah, Hassan, Hussain, and Osama.
Asari Dokubo Net Worth
Asari Dokubo’s net worth is estimated to be around 20 billion Naira as of 2024.
