By Adesina Wahab
Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, Amanyanabo of The Source, Elem Kalabari, Torusarama Piri, has explained his decision to support the aspiration of Hon. Engr. Elvis Donkemezuo to represent Yenagoa–Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in 2027.
Dokubo-Asari, who publicly endorsed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate during an event in Abuja on Monday, said Donkemezuo had been involved in the struggle for the advancement of the Ijaw people and understood the challenges confronting the Niger Delta.
“He has fought alongside me for the Ijaw cause; he understands our struggle and will give the Ijaw people a voice in Abuja,” he said.
The endorsement was made during a gathering of prominent Ijaw sons in Abuja, where Donkemezuo paid homage to the monarch and formally presented his political ambition.
The meeting, which began as a traditional courtesy visit, provided an opportunity for the two men to reflect on their involvement, in different capacities, in the struggle for the rights and development of the Ijaw people.
Following introductions by Prince Jude Tabai, Dokubo-Asari spoke about Donkemezuo’s record and his involvement in the Ijaw struggle.
He described Donkemezuo as “a great son of Ijaw land,” recalling his participation in efforts aimed at advancing the interests and welfare of the Ijaw people.
Dokubo-Asari said the 2027 election should not be viewed solely from the perspective of party politics, stressing that the Ijaw people needed representatives at the National Assembly who understood their history, challenges and aspirations.
He expressed confidence that Donkemezuo had the experience and understanding required to effectively represent the people at the National Assembly.
“With people like Engr. Elvis, who are conversant with the problems of the Ijaw people, the voice of the Ijaws and our challenges will be heard in the National Assembly,” he said.
Donkemezuo’s Ijaw activism
Donkemezuo was the pioneer coordinator of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Abuja Chapter, and later served as president of the IYC in 2013.
He was also involved in processes surrounding the establishment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme for former Niger Delta militants and has advocated environmental protection, justice and development in the Niger Delta.
His memoir, The Vain Ijaw Struggle, chronicles his experiences during the Niger Delta struggle and the efforts to draw international attention to environmental degradation, injustice and socio-economic challenges in the region.
‘I will support you’
Dokubo-Asari also pledged his support for Donkemezuo’s political ambition, saying he would use his words and actions to support the aspiration and work towards his emergence in 2027.
The monarch further prayed for divine guidance, protection, wisdom and strength for Donkemezuo as he embarks on his political journey.
Also present at the gathering was Chief Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, popularly known as Boyloaf, who described Donkemezuo as “trusted and tested” and pledged his support for the aspiration.
Others in attendance included Hon. Chief Raphael Kuku, Elder Edward Alagoa, a pioneer founding member of IYC Abuja, Tuedere Victor Ben, Hon. Romeo Bekeyai and Prince Jude Tabai, among others.
The gathering brought together prominent figures associated with the Ijaw struggle and underscored the growing political attention surrounding the 2027 contest for the Yenagoa–Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency.
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