I AM ONLY INTERESTED IN THE EMANCIPATION OF THE NIGER DELTA REGION - JOSHUA MACIVER

YENAGOA - Former Niger Delta freedom fighter, Joshua Maciver has said that, contrary to rumours being peddled by his naysayers, he does not belong to any cult group. He said this through a statement which was made available to newsmen on Monday.

Joshua, who is the immediate past Caretaker Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, also said he has never been involved in sea pirate activities or any other anti-social vices.

He pointed out that all his activities in the creeks were geared toward the emancipation of the oil-rich Niger Delta.

The ex-agitator maintained that those calling him unprintable names especially in the media are only bent on denting his image because of his 2020 gubernatorial ambition.

He stated that, "Some people have said a lot of things about me. These talks increased as I present myself for service to our fatherland, Bayelsa, as an aspirant in the forthcoming governorship election.

"I wish to state it clear that I have never been and will never belong to any cult group. All my activities while in the creeks have been purely for the struggle for the emancipation of the Niger Delta.

"Furthermore, I have never engaged in sea piracy or other vices against the Ijaw Nation I was fighting for.

"Though some people who also present themselves as freedom fighters have been engaged in these illicit activities thereby giving the general public the impression that all of us in the creeks are the same."

While restating his intention to govern Bayelsa state in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state, Joshua promised to appoint vibrant youths who are committed to the growth and development of the state.

"My leadership will be that of the youth and we are going to involve some elders who have feelings for the growth and development of our dear State," he added.

It would be recalled that, Joshua Maciver, on July 18, 2008, renounced militancy in the region, making him the first among the militant leaders in Bayelsa state to genuinely denounce armed struggle.

- Mangrove Pen.