A militant group in the Niger Delta, known as the Niger Delta Development Force (NDDF), has issued a stern warning, threatening to shut down critical oil installations in the region.
This move according to the group is targeted at protesting the alleged interference of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the governance of Rivers State. The NDDF has called on President Bola Tinubu to address what it describes as Wike's attempts to destabilize the administration of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement released on Sunday by its spokesperson, Justin Alabraba, the group condemned what it claimed were Wike’s efforts to use judicial influence to halt allocations to local governments in Rivers State.
The NDDF asserted that Wike was seeking to secure a favorable ruling through a "friendly judge" in Abuja, which could financially incapacitate local councils as early as Monday.
“Our members will not hesitate to shut down oil installations if any judge in Abuja issues a pronouncement that financially incapacitates local governments in Rivers State, preventing them from fulfilling their duty to the people,” Alabraba stated.
He emphasized that if the President fails to intervene and Wike’s actions disrupt local governance, the group would retaliate by targeting the region’s oil infrastructure. “We will act immediately. It will be a swift response, and we will shut down major oil installations in the Niger Delta,” Alabraba warned.
The NDDF’s statement accuses Wike of leveraging federal influence to intimidate Governor Fubara, asserting that the Minister’s behavior has become intolerable. “For months now, Wike has continued to insult and intimidate Governor Fubara, wielding his federal influence. We won’t tolerate that anymore,” Alabraba added.
The group pledged to destroy oil facilities if Wike continues, holding both Wike and Tinubu accountable for any escalation.
In a related development, the Ogonis in Diaspora Organisation, representing the Ogoni community abroad, has also called on President Tinubu to mediate in the political unrest affecting Rivers State.
In an open letter to the President, they expressed disappointment over his perceived silence and urged him to restrain Wike to prevent further disruptions.
The recent tension in Rivers State is seen as having broader implications for the Niger Delta, a region where past conflicts have severely impacted the oil sector and national economy.
