Residents of Rivers State are on edge as the Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM), a militant group, has advised non-indigenous individuals to prioritize their safety and leave the area amid escalating tensions. The group warned that if the federal government and other stakeholders do not take action to resolve the crisis, Nigeria’s oil production could be severely impacted if timely allocations for the state are not provided.
The Supreme Court upheld a recent ruling that halts the state’s allocation until a valid House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, is established. In response, Amaewhule issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2025 budget, which expired on Wednesday.
Amidst this political tension, a video surfaced showing armed militants from the Niger Delta Rescue Movement chanting a slogan common among the Ijaw people. A representative of the group expressed their concern over what they view as attempts to destabilize the state governance and called it an alarming move that could incite chaos, potentially leading to a state of emergency or impeachment.
They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt the actions of certain officials, including Minister Nyesom Wike, which they believe threaten stIn a 3-minute, 28-second video, militants emphasized the importance of receiving their fair share of funding, stating, “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 for vital development projects.”
They urged non-indigenous individuals to leave Rivers State for their safety, warning that the situation could escalate. The militants expressed their commitment to the safety of all residents and called for a peaceful resolution, declaring their unity for the state’s future and demanding respect from their leaders while focusing on regional development.ability in Rivers State. The group warned that if federal allocations are not released promptly, the youth of Rivers State would take decisive measures, potentially disrupting oil production.