PORT HARCOURT: Tensions are escalating in Rivers State as the militant group, Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM), has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government. The group threatened to halt oil production entirely if the state’s allocation is withheld.
NDRM also advised non-indigenes to prioritize their safety and leave Rivers State, indicating that hostilities were imminent. The militants declared that unless the Federal Government and key stakeholders resolve the ongoing crisis, they would take action against the nation’s oil production if Rivers’ funds were not released promptly.
The crisis stems from a Supreme Court ruling last Friday, which upheld a lower court’s decision to withhold the state’s allocation until a valid House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule as Speaker, is constituted.
Following the ruling, Amaewhule issued a 48-hour ultimatum on Monday for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2025 budget to the House. The deadline lapsed at midnight on Wednesday.
Also, the Amaewhule-led Assembly directed the governor to dismiss all commissioners and political appointees, demanding a fresh list of nominees for screening.
A video circulating on social media shows about eight armed militants, wielding AK-47s and other weapons, chanting “asawana, asawana,” a familiar slogan among the Ijaw people of the Niger Delta region.
The group’s leader, reading from a letter, expressed grave concern over political developments in the state, describing the Assembly’s ultimatum as an attempt to destabilize governance and provoke a crisis.
We, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, call on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt the actions of Minister Nyesom Wike and his associates, who are pushing Rivers State toward unnecessary turmoil.
The people of Rivers State seek stability, progress, and a conducive environment for governance,” the leader stated.
The militants further declared that Rivers State youths would not remain passive while their state was plunged into chaos. They emphasized that if federal funds due to Rivers State were not released, they would take decisive action, including disrupting oil production.
In the three-minute, 28-second video, the militants warned, We cannot contribute revenue to the Federation Account and be denied our rightful share. Our workers need their salaries, and our government requires resources for critical development projects.”
They also urged non-indigenes to vacate Rivers State for their safety, cautioning that the situation could escalate. We prioritize the safety of all residents and call for a peaceful resolution to this crisis. Enough is enough.
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We stand united for the future of Rivers State and demand respect from our leaders, along with a focus on regional development,” they asserted.
Meanwhile, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has condemned the ongoing political turmoil, describing the actions against Governor Fubara as treasonable.
Gimba Hassan, Legal Manager of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) at CISLAC, stated in Abuja that several incidents including the withdrawal of the governor’s security, the burning of the state House of Assembly, and the use of thugs to seize local government councils—constitute treason under Section 37 of the Criminal Code Act and treasonable felony under Section 40.
It is concerning that while peaceful protests are often treated as treason, blatant acts of intimidation against the governor go unchecked,” Hassan remarked.
He also argued that the 48-hour ultimatum given to Governor Fubara to present the budget was unlawful, citing legal precedents such as El-Rufai vs. House of Representatives (2003) and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, which requires a minimum of seven days’ notice for a legislative summons.
CISLAC criticized the Rivers State House of Assembly for worsening the crisis by embarking on a 12-week recess despite months of legislative inactivity due to court proceedings.
“Our constitution begins with the phrase ‘We the People.’ It is the people who grant power to our institutions, elect the governor and his deputy, and vote for the members of the State Assembly.
It is time for all parties to come together, resolve their disputes, and move Rivers State forward,” Hassan concluded.
