TENSIONS have intensified in Rivers State as a militant group Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM), issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, threatening to disrupt oil production if the state’s allocation is withheld.
The militant group also cautioned non-indigenes to consider their safety and leave the state, warning that hostilities could soon erupt if the crisis persists.
The group declared that unless the Federal Government and key stakeholders involved in the ongoing conflict find a resolution, they would take action against the nation’s oil infrastructure should Rivers State’s allocation not be released promptly.
This development follows a Supreme Court judgment that halted the release of state funds until a legitimate House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule as Speaker, is properly constituted. In response, Amaewhule issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to submit the 2025 budget, a deadline that expired at midnight on Wednesday.
Additionally, the Amaewhule-led Assembly directed the governor to dissolve the cabinet and resubmit a list of commissioner nominees for fresh screening.
A viral video circulating online showed about eight militants, armed with rifles, chanting “asawana,” a common slogan in the Niger Delta region. In the footage, a man who appeared to be the group’s leader read a statement addressing the situation.
“We, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement wish to express our deep concern regarding the recent development in Rivers State threatening the smooth governance of our beloved state under the leadership of Governor Fubara,” the leader stated.
“It has come to our attention that certain individuals proclaim as lawmakers have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the state governor to present the 2025 state budget. This blatant attempt to destabilize the state is not only alarming but also a clear attempt and coordinated effort to incite hell, potentially to lead to a state of emergency or even an impeachment.”
The group urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop the actions of individuals it accused of fueling the crisis.
“We call on President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately and put a stop to the action of the minister, Nyesom Wike and his associate, whose intent is to drag Rivers State to avoidable crisis. The people of Rivers State like stability, progress, and a conducive environment for governance,” the group declared.
The militants further warned that any delay in releasing the state’s allocation would trigger direct action, including disrupting oil production.
“Furthermore, we must make it abundantly clear that the youths of Rivers State will not sit idly while our state is dragged into turmoil. If the federal allocation due to Rivers State cannot be released promptly, we will have no choice but to take decisive action including hitting oil production,” the leader warned.
The video, lasting 3 minutes and 28 seconds, also showed the militants emphasizing the state’s right to its share of national revenue.
“We can’t generate money into the Federation Account and not have our own share. Our workers deserve their salaries, our government needs the necessary resources to carry out essential development projects,” they asserted.
They advised non-indigenes to leave the state, emphasizing that the situation could escalate.
“We urge all non-indigenes in Rivers State to consider their safety and leave the state promptly as the situation may escalate. We cherish the safety of all residents and urge for a peaceful resolution to this crisis. Enough is enough. We stand united for the rest and future of Rivers State. We demand respect from our leaders and focus on the development of our region,” the group stated.
•Sourced from platinumpost.news
Eighteen-Eleven Media