A climate of fear has gripped Rivers State as the Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM), a militant group, issued a stark warning to non-indigenes, urging them to leave the state immediately due to escalating tensions.
The group has also threatened to disrupt oil production if the federal government fails to release the state’s allocation promptly, amidst the ongoing political crisis.
The crisis intensified following a Supreme Court judgment last Friday, which upheld a lower court’s decision to withhold state allocations until a valid House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule as Speaker, is constituted. In response, Amaewhule issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2025 budget before the House, which expired at midnight on Wednesday.
A video circulating on social media showed approximately eight armed militants in an undisclosed forest, chanting “asana, asana,” a traditional Ijaw slogan.
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“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 Sir Siminalayi Fubara,” a purported leader of the group declared in a letter read aloud in the video.
The leader continued, “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 coordinate an effort to incite hell, potentially leading to a state of emergency or even an impeachment.”
The group further called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, accusing Minister Nyesom Wike and his associates of attempting to destabilize the state. “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 avoid a crisis—the people of Rivers State like stability, progress and a conducive environment for governance.”
The militants then issued a direct threat regarding oil production. “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 decisive action, including hitting oil production.”
The 3-minute, 28-second video also featured the militants emphasizing the state’s contribution to the national economy. “We can’t generate money into the federation account without having our own share. Our workers deserve their salaries, and our government needs the necessary resources to carry out essential development projects.”
Concluding their message, the group issued a dire warning to non-residents.
“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,” they stated.
Source: Ripples
