Militants threaten oil pipelines over Rivers State political crisis

DDM News

Stakeholders in the Niger Delta have raised concerns over renewed threats from militants following the political crisis in Rivers State.

The Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM) has warned the Federal Government to resolve the crisis or face attacks on oil facilities.

In a viral social media video, the militant group expressed anger over attempts to impeach Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that a supposed leader of the group accused some lawmakers of trying to destabilize the state with a 48-hour budget ultimatum.

The militants claimed that the lawmakers’ actions could lead to a state of emergency or even the governor’s impeachment.

They called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop alleged political interference by former Governor Nyesom Wike and his associates.

The group declared that Rivers State youths would not remain silent while their state was dragged into unnecessary political turmoil.

They threatened to cripple oil production if federal allocations due to Rivers State were not promptly released.

The militants insisted that Rivers State must receive its fair share of national revenue to support workers and development projects.

They urged non-indigenes to leave Rivers State, warning that they could not guarantee safety if the crisis escalated.

Stakeholders have expressed concerns that a resurgence of militancy could harm Nigeria’s economy and national security.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, CDC, Joseph Ambakaderimo, warned against allowing the crisis to escalate into a major conflict

He recalled that oil production previously dropped to 700,000 barrels per day due to militancy, causing huge revenue losses.

“If this threat materializes, Nigeria could lose up to three trillion naira daily,” Ambakaderimo warned.

He urged political leaders to resolve their differences before the situation worsens beyond control.

Former Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Peter Esele also warned that militancy could deter investors and destabilize the economy.

He emphasized that another phase of economic sabotage would be disastrous for Nigeria’s already fragile oil sector.

“The recent threats by militants are not about justice but selfish political interests,” Esele stated.

He urged security agencies to arrest politicians responsible for fueling tensions in Rivers State.

“The economy depends on peace, and politicians inciting violence must be held accountable,” he added.

The President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Fegalo Nsuke, also expressed deep concern.

He warned that attacks on oil facilities could cripple governance and lead to lawlessness in the state.

He criticized any attempt to deny Rivers State access to federal funds, calling it a dangerous move.

Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio promised to mobilize Niger Delta senators to mediate in the crisis.

Speaking in Abuja, Akpabio called for restraint and urged all parties to seek a peaceful resolution.

He also warned critics against making uninformed statements about Senate decisions, referencing the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Oduaghan.

Esele recalled that past militant agitations were based on demands for justice and development in the Niger Delta region.

He acknowledged that those struggles led to the creation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other intervention programs.

He, however, maintained that the current threats by militants were politically motivated and should not be tolerated.

He advised the government to act swiftly to prevent further instability in the oil-rich region.

Security experts have urged authorities to monitor militant activities closely and prevent any disruptions to oil production.

Analysts warn that another round of militancy could reverse economic gains and further weaken investor confidence in Nigeria.

The Niger Delta remains a critical economic hub, and any instability in the region could have severe national consequences.

Stakeholders insist urgent action is needed to prevent a return to militant violence in the oil-rich region.

All eyes are on the Federal Government to mediate a peaceful resolution before tensions spiral out of control.

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