In response to the continuing political crisis in Rivers State between Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and the Nigerian Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Gabriel, also known as General Asabuja, of the now-defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), announced on June 25, 2024, that he was returning to the state to back Governor Fubara and accompany all of the caretaker chairmen to their respective LGAs.
The leader of the now-defunct Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), Gabriel, also known as General Asabuja, reportedly told the Daily Post, "If you can work with Sim, I'm ready; I've sent signals to all my soldiers in the 23 local government areas of Rivers to take over." The South-South anti-bunkery operation is under my purview. The Rivers State government has MEND's full backing, and they'll be accompanying all of the caretaker chairmen to their respective councils. Be ready to slaughter people if you seek me out; I have more than 10,000 warriors. Did someone ever ask Wike this question while he was governor, about how many people lived in the state "if they were born well"? You think it's disrespectful to question the governor in this way, and now you want us to remain silent?
They were prepared to battle to improve Rivers State and restore peace and order, and General Asabuja added that it was his responsibility to do so. He went on to say that they were prepared to collaborate with Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, and fight for their cause.