Tensions in Rivers State have intensified as the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, a militant group, issued a stark warning to the federal government, threatening to attack oil installations unless immediate steps are taken to resolve the escalating political crisis. The group also advised non-indigenes in the state to leave for their safety, citing the likelihood of imminent hostilities.
In response to the threats, the Rivers State Police Command, led by Commissioner Olugbenga Adepoju, emphasized that the security forces are well-prepared to handle any disruptions. Adepoju asserted that no group could monopolize violence and vowed that law enforcement would take necessary actions to protect the state’s peace.
“We are taking it one step at a time,” Adepoju declared. “There is no monopoly of violence. If fire comes from heaven, it won’t consume just one person – it will consume everyone. We will not tolerate any attempt to destabilize the state. We are ready for whatever may come.”
The political crisis in Rivers State has been brewing since 2023, and recent Supreme Court rulings have only heightened the tension. On February 28, 2025, the court affirmed the legitimacy of the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly and annulled the October 2024 local government election results. The court also ordered the cessation of all state allocations, demanding that Governor Siminalayi Fubara resubmit the budget to the Assembly.
In the wake of these developments, the Amaewhule-led Assembly has ramped up pressure on the governor, issuing ultimatums and threatening his administration’s authority. On Monday, they gave Fubara 48 hours to present the budget, and on Wednesday, they invalidated the appointments of his commissioners, demanding new nominees for screening.
As the political tension grew, a viral video surfaced on Thursday showing a group of militants, armed with AK-47s and other weapons, in a forested area. The group was seen chanting war songs, vowing to disrupt oil production if the federal government failed to intervene in the ongoing political situation. The militants, who used the Ijaw phrase “asawana” in their chants, accused the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly of inciting chaos to justify declaring a state of emergency in the state.
A spokesman for the group, reading from a letter, stated, “We, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, are deeply concerned about the recent developments in Rivers State, particularly the efforts to destabilize the state under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. We call on President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately to prevent a catastrophic crisis.”
The group further warned, “If the federal allocation due to Rivers State is not released, we will take decisive action, including disrupting oil production. Our workers deserve their salaries, and the government needs the necessary resources for development.”
Amid these escalating tensions, the spokesperson for the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chibike Ikenga, downplayed the militants’ threats, stating that the Nigerian state had the capacity to deal with any insurgency. Ikenga dismissed the militants’ actions as a criminal attempt to exploit the political disagreement for their own agenda. He stated, “This is a political disagreement, and it has been settled by the Supreme Court. The threats are unnecessary, and the Nigerian state is more powerful than what these militants are contemplating.”
The Rivers State government also refrained from making any official statement, with Commissioner for Information and Communications Joseph Johnson stating, “We have seen the videos, but we do not know who these people are, and we cannot respond to something we are unsure about. We will make an appropriate statement tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Sobomabo Jackrich, a political figure and former governorship candidate in Rivers State, distanced himself from the militants in the viral video. Jackrich, leader of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), clarified that his party had no connection with the Niger Delta Rescue Movement. He also expressed concern that the group’s name resembled that of his own party, adding that his organization was committed to democratic processes and peaceful engagements.
In a related development, former Minister of Transport Abiye Sekibo voiced his support for Governor Fubara, urging President Tinubu to back the governor in light of the ongoing political unrest. Speaking at the inauguration of a fire service sub-station in the Old Port Harcourt Township, Sekibo stressed that Fubara’s leadership represented the collective hopes of the people of Rivers State, especially the Ijaw community, and deserved national support.
Sekibo emphasized, “Governor Fubara has our unwavering support, and I urge President Tinubu to stand with him. We’ve been through much together, and this is our time to support him fully.”
At the event, Governor Fubara reiterated his commitment to delivering essential government services, focusing on public safety without seeking excessive publicity. He described the newly revitalized Borokiri Fire Station as an example of his administration’s dedication to improving emergency response capabilities in the region. He emphasized the need for governance that prioritizes the welfare of the people over spectacle.
As Rivers State braces for more developments, the coming days will reveal whether the political crisis will escalate further or if a resolution can be reached. With various political leaders calling for support for the governor, it remains to be seen how the federal government will respond to the ongoing tensions.
