In a viral video circulating on social media, the group also called on non-indigenes residing in Rivers State to leave, citing concerns for their safety as they anticipate an outbreak of hostilities.
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – A militant group known as the Niger Delta Rescue Movement has issued a warning, threatening to target oil installations in the Niger Delta region in response to the withholding of Rivers State’s federal allocation.
In a viral video circulating on social media, the group also called on non-indigenes residing in Rivers State to leave, citing concerns for their safety as they anticipate an outbreak of hostilities.
The militants, who appeared in the video armed with AK-47 rifles and other weapons, chanted war songs in the Ijaw language, including the slogan “asawana, asawana.” They expressed their dissatisfaction with the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, accusing certain political figures of attempting to create instability and push the state towards an emergency declaration.
One of the militants, reading from a letter, stated that the group was deeply concerned about recent developments in Rivers State. He condemned the ultimatum given to Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which demanded that the governor present the 2025 state budget within 48 hours.
Describing the ultimatum as a deliberate attempt to incite chaos, the group called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and curb the alleged influence of Minister Nyesom Wike and his allies, whom they accused of orchestrating a crisis in the state.
The group warned that if the State’s federal allocation was not released, they would resort to drastic measures, including disrupting oil production in the region. They argued that it was unjust for Rivers State to contribute revenue to the federation account while being denied its rightful share of funds.
“Our workers need their salaries, and our government requires resources for critical development projects,” the group declared.
They further urged non-indigenes residing in Rivers State to consider their safety and leave, warning that the situation could escalate. While advocating for a peaceful resolution, they emphasized their commitment to defending the interests of Rivers State and ensuring its development.
The crisis follows a Supreme Court ruling last week, which upheld a lower court’s decision to halt the state’s allocation and recognized the Amaewhule-led House as the legitimate Rivers State Assembly. In line with this ruling, the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Fubara to present the 2025 budget, a deadline that expired at midnight on Wednesday.
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