A militant group, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement has threatened to attack oil installations in the Niger Delta region over the seizure of the allocation due to Rivers State.
Also, the group called on all non-indigenes living in Rivers State, to leave in their interest and safety, pointing out that hostilities were about to begin.
A trending social media video that surfaced on Thursday, showed the militants, numbering about eight, bearing AK-47 rifles, and other assorted weapons in an unknown forest chanting, and singing war songs.
Chants like “asawana, asawana,” a common slogan among the Ijaw people of the Niger Delta, were heard, as the militants brandished their weapons.
They said the action of the Martin Amaewhile led Rivers State House of Assembly, is to cause anarchy in the state, and then pave the way for the declaration of a state of emergency.
One of them who spoke said “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 Siminalayi Fubara.”
A supposed leader of the group, declared in a letter he read on the video, that “it has come to our attention that certain individuals proclaimed as lawmakers have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the state governor to present the 2025 state budget.
“This blatant attempt to destabilise the state is not only alarming, but also a clear attempt to a coordinated effort to incite hell, potentially to lead to a state of emergency or even an impeachment.
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“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 avoidable crisis.
“The people of Rivers State like stability, progress and a conducive environment for governance.
“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 a decisive action, including hitting oil production.”
The video, which lasted for slightly over three minutes, also showed the militants, saying “we can’t generate money into the federation account, and not have our own share.
“Our workers deserve their salaries, our government needs the necessary resources to carry out essential development projects.
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.”
