Rivers State Police have declared ex-militant leader General Asabuja wanted following a threatening video. The police action comes amidst a crisis involving the state governor and former local government chairmen.
The Rivers State Police Command has declared Gabriel ‘General’ Asabuja, a former Niger Delta militant leader, wanted following the release of a viral video in which he issued threats amidst ongoing local government disputes in the state.
State Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, explained during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today that the video caused widespread panic both within and beyond the state. Disu assured the public that the police are actively pursuing Asabuja and will not tolerate such threats.
Disu elaborated on the situation, stating, “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.”
He further emphasized that issuing threats and creating fear among the public is unacceptable, and the police are committed to apprehending Asabuja. “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 backdrop of this crisis involves Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara and former local government chairmen. Tensions have risen following the end of the chairmen’s tenure, with Governor Fubara refusing to extend their terms and instead appointing new caretaker chairmen. This power struggle has exacerbated the situation, leading to increased instability in the region.
The declaration of Asabuja as a wanted person underscores the seriousness with which the Rivers State Police Command is handling threats and maintaining order amidst the political turmoil. The police are determined to bring him to justice and ensure the safety and security of the state’s residents.
This development highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the state in managing post-militancy peace and the complexities of local government administration in a politically volatile environment.
