A militant group, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM), has issued a threat to attack oil installations in Rivers State, citing the seizure of the state’s federal allocation as a provocation.
In a viral video circulating on social media, the militants—armed with AK-47s and other rifles—were seen in an undisclosed forest, chanting war songs and calling for the evacuation of non-indigenes from Rivers State ahead of what they described as impending hostilities.
According to the group, the 27 lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike—led by Martin Amaewhule—are deliberately inciting a crisis to justify the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
One of the militants, speaking in the video, stated:
“We, members of the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, are deeply concerned about the recent developments threatening governance under Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The so-called lawmakers’ 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to present the 2025 budget is a blatant attempt to destabilize the state and incite chaos.”
The group called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, accusing FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his allies of attempting to engineer a crisis for political gain.
Elder Statesman Calls for Tinubu’s Support for Fubara
Amid the growing political tension, former Minister of Transportation, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, has pleaded with President Tinubu to stand by Governor Fubara.
Speaking at the commissioning of the remodeled Borokiri Fire Service Station in Port Harcourt, Sekibo emphasized that Fubara represents a rare opportunity for the Ijaw nation, as it has taken 24 years for the ethnic group to produce a governor in Rivers State.
He praised Fubara’s people-oriented governance and noted that Rivers residents now feel more aligned with the President’s leadership due to the governor’s policies.
Andoni Council Chairman Reinstated After 10-Year Legal Battle
In a separate development, Imie Benson Alpheaus, who was elected as Andoni Local Government Chairman in 2015 under former Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s administration, has officially resumed office following a Court of Appeal ruling on February 28, 2025.
Speaking at his reinstatement ceremony on March 3, 2025, Alpheaus expressed gratitude to the judiciary for upholding justice after a decade-long legal battle.
Outlining his vision for Andoni, he pledged to focus on:
- Commerce, industry, investment, and tourism
- Peace and security improvements
- Recovering lost democratic dividends
As part of his immediate actions, Alpheaus dissolved all previous council appointees and committees, stating that his administration will usher in a new era of policies and human capital development to uplift the people of Andoni.
