This decision comes in response to the public statements and actions of Asari-Dokubo following his visit to the President shortly after assuming office on May 29, 2023. Notably, the presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, has stated that he is not aware of any such development.
President Tinubu's move to bar ex-Niger Delta militant leaders from the villa has been revealed as a response to the recent visit by the leader of the now-defunct Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, Alhaji Mujarhedeen Asari-Dokubo, on June 16.
It is reported that the President was concerned about Asari-Dokubo's public remarks and actions following the visit, prompting this decision.
Requests for courtesy visits by prominent leaders of militant groups and ethnic militias from the Niger Delta region to President Tinubu have reportedly been declined by the presidency as a result of this new policy.
A source within the presidency has also affirmed this development, noting, "The President has given a directive that he would not like to meet any Niger Delta warlord or ethnic militia after the horrible experience when he granted an audience to Mujarhedeen Asari-Dokubo."
Meanwhile, Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, has denied awareness of this issue and the related directive. He emphasized the importance of avoiding speculative assumptions without verifiable facts.
