A militant group in rivers state, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM), has issued a warning that hostilities in Rivers State are set to escalate, further intensifying the political crisis in the region. The group has threatened to disrupt the nation’s oil production if the ongoing tensions are not swiftly resolved and has urged all non-indigenes to consider their safety and leave the state immediately.
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 legally constituted House of Assembly, with Martin Amaewhule as Speaker, is in place. In response to the ruling, Amaewhule on Monday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, demanding that he present the 2025 budget before the House. The ultimatum expired at midnight on Wednesday.
Residents of Rivers State have been thrown into a state of panic as the situation unfolds. A video circulating on social media on Thursday showed about eight militants, armed with AK-47 rifles and other weapons, gathered in a forest, chanting “asana, asana,” a popular slogan among the Ijaw people of the Niger Delta. A spokesperson for the group read out a statement expressing concern over the situation in Rivers State and accusing certain political actors of attempting to destabilize governance under Governor Fubara.
“We, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, wish to express our deep concern regarding the recent developments in Rivers State that threaten the smooth governance of our beloved state under the leadership of Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara,” the group’s leader declared.
He condemned what he described as an attempt to forcefully pressure the governor into presenting the state budget, warning that such actions could lead to chaos, a state of emergency, or even impeachment. The group specifically called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and rein in the alleged influence of Minister Nyesom Wike and his associates, whom they accused of pushing the state toward crisis.
Furthermore, the militants issued a stern warning that any delay in releasing the state’s federal allocation could trigger drastic actions, including attacks on oil production facilities. “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 group’s leader warned.
In the video, the militants argued that Rivers State contributes significantly to the nation’s revenue and must receive its rightful share. “We cannot generate money into the federation account without receiving our share. Our workers deserve their salaries, and our government needs the necessary resources to carry out essential development projects.”
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As tensions mount, the group also urged non-indigenes residing in Rivers State to leave for their safety. “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 a peaceful resolution to this crisis. Enough is enough. We stand united for the future of Rivers State. We demand respect from our leaders and a focus on the development of our region,” the militants stated.
The crisis in Rivers State has been fueled by an ongoing power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, along with their respective loyalists. The recent Supreme Court ruling has further deepened political tensions, raising concerns over stability in the oil-rich state.
