Tension is at an all-time high in Rivers State as the militant group, Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM), has issued a fiery warning to the federal government, threatening to halt oil production if the state’s allocation is withheld.
The group also advised non-indigenes to leave the state immediately, citing an impending escalation of hostilities if the ongoing political crisis is not resolved.
This latest development follows the Supreme Court’s ruling last Friday, which upheld the decision to withhold Rivers State’s federal allocation until a legally recognized House of Assembly is in place, with Martin Amaewhule as Speaker.
In reaction, Amaewhule issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, demanding he submit the 2025 budget—a deadline that expired at midnight on Wednesday. His faction of the Assembly has also ordered the governor to dismiss all commissioners and reappoint a fresh cabinet.
Meanwhile, a viral video circulating on social media shows about eight heavily armed militants in a dense forest, chanting “Asawana, Asawana”—a well-known war cry among the Ijaw people of the Niger Delta.
A spokesperson for the group, reading from a prepared statement, declared:
“We, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, are deeply concerned about the attempts to destabilize Rivers State. Some individuals, parading as lawmakers, have issued an unlawful ultimatum to our governor, which is a blatant provocation aimed at triggering a state of emergency or even impeachment.”
Calling for urgent intervention, the group accused Minister Nyesom Wike and his allies of orchestrating the crisis to undermine Governor Fubara.
“If Rivers’ rightful allocation is not released, we will take action—including halting oil production. We will not allow Rivers State to be strangled financially while we generate revenue for the federation. Our workers deserve their salaries, and our government needs funds for development,” the statement warned.
The militants also issued a chilling message to non-indigenes, urging them to leave the state for their own safety.
“We value the safety of all residents, but if this crisis escalates, we cannot guarantee protection. Enough is enough—we stand united for the future of Rivers State.”
CISLAC: Actions Against Fubara Are Treasonous
Meanwhile, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has condemned the ongoing political maneuvers against Governor Fubara, labeling them acts of treason and treasonable felony.
Gimba Hassan, Legal Manager of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) within CISLAC, stated:
“When you consider the burning of the Assembly, the withdrawal of the governor’s security, and the use of political thugs to seize local government councils, it becomes clear that these acts are intended to intimidate and overthrow a sitting governor—this fits the legal definition of treason.”
He also described the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Assembly as illegal, citing past legal precedents that require at least seven days’ notice for a legislative summons.
With the Supreme Court’s ruling already complicating governance in the state, Hassan urged all parties to seek a peaceful resolution to prevent further chaos.
“Rivers State belongs to the people. It’s time for all stakeholders to put aside their differences and put the interests of the citizens first.”
