Tensions in the Niger Delta have escalated dangerously as the Niger Delta Development Force, a militant group, has vowed to shut down oil installations if President Bola Tinubu does not intervene in the growing rift between Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
In a strongly-worded statement issued on Sunday October 27, 2024, by its spokesperson, Justin Alabraba, the group threatened swift and severe action, warning that Nigeria’s vital oil infrastructure would be destroyed if Wike’s alleged interference in Rivers State politics continues unchecked. The militants accused Wike of plotting to secure a favourable court ruling through a "friendly judge" to halt local government allocations to the state on Monday, a move they say would cripple governance at the grassroots level.
Furthermore, the group warned that any such court decision would trigger immediate retaliation. "Our members will not hesitate to shut down oil installations if any judge in Abuja issues a ruling that incapacitates local governments in Rivers State," the statement read. "This will be a swift response. If Tinubu allows Wike to sabotage local governance, we will disrupt governance at every level in return. The Niger Delta cannot suffer while other parts of Nigeria prosper. Wike must leave Fubara alone."
The militants Further accused Wike of abusing his federal influence to intimidate Governor Fubara, saying his interference has become intolerable. They warned that the era of standing by in silence is over. "Wike has spent months insulting and harassing Governor Fubara, leveraging his position to destabilize Rivers State. This must stop. Rivers State is not Wike’s personal property, and he cannot spend his post-governorship years tormenting those who helped him rise to power while now sabotaging his successor," the group declared.
Issuing a final ultimatum, the militants vowed to launch a destructive campaign if Wike continues to interfere or if a judgement is passed against Rivers State. "If any ruling financially cripples Rivers State, we will bomb and destroy oil installations across the Niger Delta. This is not a threat—it is a promise. Enough is enough. Wike and Tinubu can no longer take us for granted."
