By Kingston Magare
The Supreme Court ruling ordering the seizure of Federal allocations to Rivers State and recognition of the Martin Amaewhile led 27 lawmakers seem to have stirred the hornet’s net.
A militant group Niger Delta Rescue Movement has warned that it would attack oil installations in retaliation. According to an online video circulating Thursday, eight militants were seen brandishing automatic weapons and chanting war songs. Their leader was heard delivering a speech.
“We the Niger Delta Rescue Movement wish to express our deep concern regarding the recent development in Rivers state threatening the smooth governance of our beloved State under the leadership of Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
“It has come to our attention that certain individuals proclaim as lawmakers have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the state governor to present the 2025 state budget.
“This blatant attempt to destabilise the State is not only alarming but also a clear attempt to a coordinated effort to incite hell potentially to lead to a state of emergency or even an impeachment.
“We call on President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately and put a stop to the action of the Minister, Nyesom Wike, and his associate whose intent is to drag Rivers State to avoidable crisis.
“Furthermore, we must make it abundantly clear that the youths of Rivers state will not sit idly while our state is dragged into tumult. If the federal allocation due to Rivers state cannot be released promptly, we will have no choice but to take a decisive action, including hitting oil production.
“We can’t generate money into the federation account and not have our own share.
“Our workers deserve their salaries; our government needs the necessary resources to carry out essential development projects.
“We urge all non-indigenes in Rivers State to consider their safety and leave the state promptly as the situation may escalate.”
Last week former governor Nyesom Wike who has been on a long battle with his predecessor over the control of Rivers resources hailed the Supreme Court rulings, which seem have suit his craving to corner governor Fubara.
And it seems antagonists of Mr. Fubara have already gone to work. On Wednesday, gunmen opened fire on some youths protesting peacefully in support of the embattled governor. The incident occurred in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers.
Reports by the News Agency of Nigeria said Nwokoro, popularly known as ‘Fucking Naira,’ appeared suddenly and opened fire on the supporters of Governor Fubara in Elele Town.
“He shot about 14 people, all of whom sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were taken to Madonna University Hospital in Elele for treatment,” a witness told NAN
Mr Nwokoro is a staunch supporter of a well-known politician in the state.
