Niger Delta Development Force Issues Stern Warning: Threatens to Shut Down Oil Installations Over Political Tensions in Rivers State
In a recent statement, the Niger Delta Development Force (NDDF), a prominent militia group in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, announced its intention to target oil installations if President Bola Tinubu does not intervene in what it calls an ongoing conflict involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.
The group’s spokesperson, Justin Alabraba, voiced frustration over what they describe as repeated interference by Wike, accusing him of wielding federal power to undermine the administration of Governor Fubara, a successor he reportedly played a role in supporting.
According to the NDDF, the crux of the current crisis stems from an alleged plan by Wike to manipulate the judicial process in order to secure a favorable ruling that would block local government allocations to Rivers State.
This action, set to be decided on Monday, has sparked outrage within the group, as they argue it would effectively cripple local governments’ ability to provide essential services to the people. In their statement, the group warned of “swift and decisive action” should any judge in Abuja issue a ruling that financially incapacitates Rivers State’s local government structure.
The group’s spokesperson, Alabraba, highlighted the importance of these allocations in sustaining local governance and warned that any disruption would trigger immediate retaliation.
“If President Tinubu allows Wike to disrupt governance in Rivers State, we will also disrupt governance at all levels,” the statement reads. “We will not stand by while one individual, with federal influence, upsets the balance in our region. Rivers State is not Wike’s personal property, and he cannot continue to undermine those who helped him attain his former position as governor.”
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The NDDF has a history of using threats to oil installations as a means of expressing discontent over perceived injustices. This time, however, the stakes are particularly high, as the group’s threats come amid growing economic concerns and potential unrest in the region.
The Niger Delta has long been a critical source of revenue for Nigeria, accounting for a significant portion of the nation’s oil exports. Any disruption to this sector could have far-reaching consequences for the national economy, and the NDDF is fully aware of the leverage this provides.
“Our members will not hesitate to shut down major oil installations in the Niger Delta,” Alabraba continued. “If Wike’s influence disrupts local governance in Rivers State, we will respond swiftly. We cannot continue to suffer while other regions enjoy stability. If they attempt to cripple our local governments, we will reciprocate by shutting down oil production.”
The NDDF’s statement sheds light on ongoing political tensions between Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The militia group claims that for months, Wike has “insulted and intimidated” Governor Fubara, using his new federal position to exert influence over local politics. According to the NDDF, this power struggle has reached a breaking point, prompting them to take a stand against what they see as Wike’s attempts to destabilize the Rivers State government.
“For months now, Wike has used his federal influence to insult and intimidate Governor Fubara,” the statement continued. “We won’t tolerate this interference any longer. If Tinubu continues to turn a blind eye to Wike’s actions, we will make sure that the Niger Delta’s oil installations are shut down. Enough is enough; we will not be taken for granted.”
In their statement, the NDDF left little room for negotiation, emphasizing that they are prepared to act decisively if the situation persists. “This is not a threat; it is a promise,” Alabraba stated. “We will bomb and continue to destroy oil installations. If a judgment is issued against Rivers State that disrupts local governance, we will ensure that the consequences are felt by all.”
The group’s declaration is a call to action, not only to President Tinubu but also to other political stakeholders, to prevent what it sees as undue influence by Wike. The NDDF underscored that the Niger Delta has endured significant challenges for decades, from environmental degradation to economic marginalization, and that its people would no longer accept actions that threaten their welfare.
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The Niger Delta remains one of Nigeria’s most critical and fragile regions, both economically and politically. A shutdown of oil installations, as threatened by the NDDF, could have immediate repercussions on Nigeria’s economy, as oil revenue plays a vital role in national income.
Moreover, it could destabilize the already tense political landscape in the Niger Delta, raising concerns among stakeholders about long-term security and governance in the region.
In conclusion, the Niger Delta Development Force’s warning serves as a reminder of the underlying tensions that persist in the region. With the threat of a shutdown looming, the group has brought to light the complexities of federal influence in local governance, urging the nation’s leaders to tread carefully in their dealings with the Niger Delta. As of now, all eyes are on President Tinubu and Minister Wike, as they weigh the potential consequences of their actions on a region that is pivotal to Nigeria’s future stability.