A militant group, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, has issued a stern warning of potential attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta over the continued withholding of federal allocation meant for Rivers State.
In a viral video circulating on social media on Thursday, about eight armed militants, wielding AK-47s and other high-caliber rifles, were seen in an undisclosed forest.
They chanted war songs, including the popular Ijaw slogan, “Asawana, Asawana.”
The group accused the faction led by Martin Amaewhule in the Rivers State House of Assembly of attempting to destabilize governance in the state, allegedly to create conditions for declaring a state of emergency.
One of the militants, speaking on behalf of the group, said, “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 Siminalayi Fubara.”
Reading from a letter, a supposed leader of the group 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 to a coordinated effort to incite hell potentially to lead to a state of emergency or even an impeachment.
“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 militants further declared that should the federal allocation due to Rivers State remain withheld, they would take drastic measures, including targeting oil production facilities.
“Furthermore, we must make it abundantly clear that the youths of Rivers State will not sit idly while our state is dragged into tumult. If the federal allocation due to Rivers State cannot be released promptly, we will have no choice but to take a decisive action, including hitting oil production.”
Expressing their frustration, they also emphasized the importance of the state receiving its rightful share of federal 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.”
The group issued a warning to non-indigenes residing in Rivers State, urging them to consider their safety and vacate the state due to potential escalation.
“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 unfolding tension stems from the recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld a lower court’s judgment ordering the Central Bank of Nigeria to withhold Rivers State’s federal allocation while also validating the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly as the legitimate legislative body.
Following this ruling, the House of Assembly on Monday issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2025 budget.
The deadline expired at midnight on Wednesday, adding to the already volatile political climate in the state.
