Rivers State Crisis: Militants Threaten Oil Production Amid Political Tensions

PORT HARCOURT – Tensions have intensified in Rivers State as the Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM), a militant group, issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate release of the state’s allocation. Failure to comply, they warned, could result in a complete shutdown of oil production in the region.

The militant group also called on non-indigenes residing in Rivers State to leave for their safety, citing an imminent escalation of hostilities.

Militants Warn of Oil Disruption

NDRM emphasized that unless the Federal Government and all stakeholders involved in the political turmoil take necessary actions to de-escalate the crisis, they would not hesitate to disrupt national oil production. The warning follows the Supreme Court’s ruling last Friday, which upheld a lower court’s decision to withhold Rivers State’s allocation until the House of Assembly, with Martin Amaewhule as Speaker, is fully constituted.

Following the ruling, Speaker Amaewhule on Monday gave Governor Siminalayi Fubara a 48-hour deadline to present the 2025 budget to the Assembly. This ultimatum expired at midnight on Wednesday.

House of Assembly’s Controversial Directives

In response to the budget deadline lapse, the Amaewhule-led House instructed the governor to dismiss all commissioners and political appointees and submit a new list of nominees for screening.

A video circulating on social media features approximately eight armed militants wielding AK-47 rifles in an undisclosed forest. In the video, they chanted “asawana, asawana,” a well-known slogan among the Ijaw people of the Niger Delta region.

The supposed leader of the group, reading from a letter, stated:

“We, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, express deep concern over the recent developments in Rivers State, which threaten the governance of our beloved state under Governor Fubara. The demand for a 48-hour ultimatum to present the state budget is a deliberate move to destabilize Rivers State, incite chaos, and possibly pave the way for a state of emergency or impeachment.

“We urge President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately and halt the actions of Minister Nyesom Wike and his associates, who are pushing Rivers State towards an avoidable crisis. The people of Rivers State deserve stability, progress, and a conducive environment for governance.”

Ultimatum on Federal Allocation and Non-Indigenes’ Safety

NDRM further warned that if the federal allocation due to Rivers State is not promptly released, they will take decisive action, including targeting oil production.

“We cannot continue generating revenue for the Federation Account while being denied our rightful share. Our workers deserve salaries, and our government requires resources for essential development projects.”

Additionally, they urged non-indigenes in the state to consider their safety and evacuate as the situation might escalate.

CISLAC Condemns Political Instability, Calls Actions Treasonable

Meanwhile, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has strongly condemned the ongoing political instability in Rivers State, describing the actions against Governor Fubara as treasonable.

Gimba Hassan, Legal Manager of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) and a CISLAC representative, asserted that the recent political maneuvers against the governor contain elements of treason under Section 37 of the Criminal Code Act and treasonable felony under Section 40 of the same Act.

He cited various unlawful actions, including:

The violent attack on the governor
The burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly
The withdrawal of the governor’s security
The use of armed thugs to disrupt local government elections

“These acts were clearly intended to intimidate and subdue the governor, fitting the legal definitions of treason and treasonable felony,” Hassan explained.

He also criticized the Rivers State House of Assembly for issuing an illegal 48-hour ultimatum for the budget presentation, stating that such a directive lacks legal backing.

Citing the case El-Rufai vs. House of Representatives (2003) and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, Hassan pointed out that a legislative summons must provide at least seven days’ notice.

“With the Supreme Court’s ruling, governance in Rivers State has been stalled. Instead of resolving the crisis, the House of Assembly is worsening it by going on a 12-week recess. This is unacceptable,” he stated.

Call for Peaceful Resolution

Hassan urged all political stakeholders in Rivers State to resolve their differences and prioritize the state’s progress. He emphasized that the Nigerian constitution begins with “We the People,” highlighting that governance should reflect the people’s will and best interests.

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