By Eyo Precious Jedidiah
Gabriel ‘General’ Asabuja, a former Niger Delta militant leader, has pledged to prevent the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from exerting control over Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara.
As the leader of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Asabuja declared that Governor Fubara and his newly appointed Caretaker Chairmen should be allowed to maintain peace in the state. He accused the police of supporting Wike for personal benefits and committed to fighting against crime, kidnapping, killings, and rape in Rivers State.
“We are ready to fight and work with Sim, enough is enough,” Asabuja stated. “DSS and Police, can’t you see the hunger in the state? Are we going to die of suffering and smiling? We have so many natural resources, including oil, but we are still suffering at the hands of a few politicians.”
Asabuja emphasized his determination to fight for the rights of the people and collaborate with Governor Fubara. He revealed that he had mobilized his soldiers across the 23 local government areas of Rivers to take control and support the government’s efforts. “MEND is back to support the government of Rivers State and escort all the Caretaker Chairmen to all the councils. I have over 10,000 soldiers, so if you are looking for me, be prepared to kill people,” he warned.
He criticized Wike for questioning the legitimacy of Fubara’s leadership and vowed that such disrespect would not be tolerated. “It’s an insult to ask a governor such a question, and you want us to keep quiet. It’s my duty to make Rivers State a better place. We will fight against crime, kidnapping, and robbery, and we need peace. Police supporting the former people are bad; they are supporting Wike due to the benefits they get from him. What he’s doing is not right. You have left power but still want to control who is in power? It will never happen again, and we will not agree,” Asabuja declared.