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Brigadier Tu-ere Uge Princewill is the first female field commander of the militants group, Niger Delta Avengers, an organization that was behind multiple attacks on oil facilities in the Niger Delta region in early 2016 after President Muhammadu Buhari took over the baton of political leadership.
Though, Niger Delta Avengers went underground after a while but resurfaced last week when it issued a 90-Day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address some pressing demands.
However, according to a report by THE WHISTLER, it took some guile and guts for their correspondent in Rivers State, Uchenna Okoro, to get an interview appointment with the new field commander of Niger Delta Avengers.
The correspondent was blindfolded according to the report for much of the two and half hours trip on the sea to the camp of the avengers where Princewill is the commander.
The correspondent conducted the 30 minute interview wearing a blindfold and denied any chance to take photos.
Below is the approximate transcript of the interview.
The commander’s responses to the questions were brisk, testy and short.
Excerpt:
This is the first time we see a woman commanding group like the Avengers. Why did they make you commander?
It takes loyalty, dedication and commitment to get to any leadership ladder. That was my case. We have been on this struggle together and I was chosen to lead the team.
The team found me worthy of the position and collectively installed me here today.
How long have you been with the group?
I have been with this great and noble avengers for over ten years and still counting. It’s a call for life and am glad am serving actively.
I pledge to forever remain committed and give in my best for the actualization of our goals for life.
Are there other women like you in the Avengers?
You can see that yourself. At least, you can differentiate from what you’re seeing. We have many female soldiers who are as strong and committed like me and I see them taking over from us when the need for retirement calls.
Why did you join a militant group?
I wish you’re from one of the Niger Delta States, you will understand our plight.
Injustice, oppression, intimidation, denial of our rightful possession, oil spills, degradation, marginalisation and lots more.
I was never born this way, our Government and leaders made us toil this part and we will never stop or quit until our demands are made manifest.
Your group gave FG ultimatum, are you satisfied with the response of the presidency?
We gave an ultimatum and Buhari is taking us for granted.
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He feels what we warned against are mere threats. But he will understand at the expiration of the deadline if our demands are not met.
What will come this time will be worse than what they have seen years back. Mark my words.
He can play with other groups but believe me, our ultimatum stands and he must act as asked.
Since 2016, agitation had died down in the Niger Delta? Why are you agitating again?
Since 2016 we kept our cool and concentrated on strengthening our armies.
We decided to see if the so called Federal Government will do the right thing and act without being pushed or reminded.
It pains me heavily that Buhari led administration is just bent on causing chaos rather than resolving and proffering solutions to the request and ills of the Niger Delta Region.
Our ljaw leaders and other Niger Delta groups have done their best already.
This time we are back and the storm will be massive. I assure you.
Are you supporting IPOB?
We are Niger Delta Avengers not IPOB. I personally have no business with them. I equally feel their agitation but like I said, I have no business with them. We are on different missions.
Do you want restructuring or to break Nigeria?
We have asked for restructuring but it’s not forthcoming. Breaking will be better so we can have our resources to ourselves and manage it judiciously without any diversion and political hijack.
We don’t need restructuring again. I know countless letters, pleas and calls that have been made towards the actualization of restructuring the federation, but all have not yielded any positive result.
All we hear are stories and excuses from federal government. All we have ever fought or asked for from them is fair treatment but that has never been achieved.
So breaking of Nigeria will be better for everyone.
They should give Biafra and every other agitating group what they seek and everyone will be happy.
Can I know about your personal life? Do you have family, are you a graduate?
That is not why you’re here. If I’m not a graduate I won’t have granted your interview and responded to your questions.
As for family, I do have my siblings all well and fine.
