Tensions Rise In Rivers State As Militants Threaten Oil Installations.
Tensions have escalated in Rivers State as a militant group, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, has threatened to attack oil installations in response to the alleged seizure of the state’s allocation. The group has also issued a warning for non-indigenes residing in the state to leave for their safety, citing imminent hostilities.
A viral social media video surfaced yesterday, showing about eight armed militants in an undisclosed forest, chanting war songs and expressing their discontent. The group accused the Martin Amaewhile-led faction of 27 lawmakers of attempting to destabilise the state and pave the way for a declaration of a state of emergency.
One of the militants, speaking on behalf of the group, criticised the lawmakers for issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2025 state budget. He described the move as a coordinated effort to incite unrest and potentially remove the governor from office.
“We call on President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately and stop the action of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his associates, whose intent is to drag Rivers State into an avoidable crisis,” he stated.
Elder Statesman Urges Presidential Support for Governor Fubara
Amidst the political turmoil, former Minister of Transportation, Dr Abiye Sekibo, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to support Governor Fubara. He emphasised that the Ijaw nation had waited 24 years to produce a governor in Rivers State and should be given the opportunity to govern without external interference.
Speaking at the commissioning of the remodelled Borokiri Fire Service Station and Firefighting vehicles in Port Harcourt, Sekibo commended Fubara for prioritising the interests of the people and promoting national unity. He urged Rivers residents to rally behind the governor and stand firm in support of the President’s administration.