Rivers crisis: Police declare ex-militant leader wanted

Police authorities in Rivers State have declared a former Niger Delta militant leader, Gabriel ‘General’ Asabuja, wanted.

This announcement was made by the state Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Asabuja gained attention after a viral video showed him making strong statements regarding the ongoing local government council crisis in Rivers State.

Reacting to Asabuja’s comment in the viral video, Disu condemned the action, saying it has caused panic in the state.

He said, “That video caused a lot of panic in the state. It gives a lot of concern to everybody even out of the state. I want to assure you that we are not going to take kindly to that. We have put actions in motion. We would get him at the appropriate time. We have gotten a lot of people of his kind.

“You cannot prepare a video and start firing and threatening people not to move around and do what they are expected to do in town and expect the police will fold their hands. We are working towards it. We have invited him and he does not want to come but we will do what we want to do. We are looking out for him.”

“He is wanted. That is correct,” the Rivers State Commissioner said on the current affairs show.

The state has been in turmoil since late last year due to a conflict between the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The latest issue involves the leadership of local government councils.

With the tenure of chairpersons, their deputies, and councillors ending earlier this month, Fubara appointed a caretaker committee.

This move has been contested by Wike’s loyalists, who argue that the governor’s actions were improper.

The situation has led to protests and a series of claims and counterclaims.

In response, police authorities have warned against violence, stating they are prepared to take action against anyone inciting trouble in the state.