By Suleiman Anyalewechi
Asks non-indigenes to consider relocation from State
A militant group, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, NDRM, on Thursday March 6, 2025, warned of an imminent shut- down of all oil exploration facilities in Rivers State.
The Group has also asked non-indigenous residents in the state to consider the option of relocating, should the current harassment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara persists.
The Group’s threat is coming against the backdrop of the series of ultimatums and veiled threats issued to Governor Fubara by the Speaker Martins Amaewfule-led State House of Assembly.
The 27 pro-Wike Lawmakers whose political fortunes were rehabilitated following Friday, February, 28, Supreme Court’s verdict that recognized them as authentic members of the House, on Monday, March 3, 2025, gave 48 hours ultimatum to the Governor to represent the 2025 appropriation bill to them as directed by the Apex Court.
In the same vein, the Legislators, again on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, ordered the Governor to submit within 48 hours, the names of all political appointees made, including Commissioners , without their approval.
The Assembly’s combative disposition since the Supreme Court pronouncement has fueled apprehensions that impeachment moves against the Governor might be in the offing.
The Source reports that the Country’s Apex Court had, in its ruling on the Rivers state political crisis, directed that the State’s and Local Councils monthly statutory Federal Allocations be halted pending the representation of the budget estimate to the House, as well as the conduct of a fresh local Government polls.
The Court also nullified the Council Election held on October, 5, 2024.
But in a viral video online on Thursday, NDRM said the Ijaw ethnic nationality will not sit by and watch as the Federal Government and other subterranean forces continue to humiliate, and punish Governor Fubara and innocent citizens of Rivers state .
The Group insisted that the Federal Government, President Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders should either do the needful – de-escalate the tension in the State, or brace up for the halting of all oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta region.
According to the NDRM, there is no way Rivers will be oiling the country’s economy ,and will not get its own share of the monthly revenue.
“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 Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
“It has come to our attention that certain individuals proclaimed as Lawmakers have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the State Governor to present the 2025 state budget.
“This blatant attempt to destabilize the State is not only alarming, but, also, a clear attempt to coordinate an effort to incite hell, potentially leading 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 associates whose intent is to drag Rivers State into an avoidable crisis. The people of Rivers state like stability, progress and conducive environment for governance.
“Furthermore, we must make it abundantly clear that the youth of Rivers state will not sit idly while our state is dragged into turmoil.
“If the Federal Allocation due Rivers State cannot be released promptly, we will have no choice but to take decisive action ,including hitting oil production”, the leader of the group stated.
The leader of the group ,who was surrounded by hordes of AK-47 riffle wielding youths in the video, vowed that all activities in the Niger Delta region, not just oil exploration, will suffer if the allocation of Rivers State is not released as at, and when due.
Continuously chanting traditional Ijaw slogans, the NDRM said it is completely unacceptable for Rivers to generate funds for the Federation Account without having her own share.
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