According to Report, Residents of Rivers State are in fear following a warning from the militant group Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM), which has urged non-indigenes to leave as tensions rise.
The group also threatened to disrupt Nigeria's oil production if the federal government did not address the political crisis. Their demand focuses on the release of Rivers State's federal allocation, which was recently withheld by a Supreme Court ruling.
Last Friday, the Supreme Court upheld a decision to suspend Rivers State's federal allocation until a legitimate House of Assembly, with Martin Amaewhule as Speaker, is established.
In response, Amaewhule gave Governor Siminalayi Fubara a 48-hour ultimatum to present the 2025 state budget to the House. The deadline expired at midnight on Wednesday, escalating the crisis.
On Thursday, a viral video showed eight armed men, reportedly NDRM members, wielding AK-47 rifles and chanting "asana, asana," a common slogan among the Ijaw people of the Niger Delta.
A supposed leader of the group read a statement expressing their concerns.
"We, the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, wish to express our deep concern regarding the recent developments in Rivers State, which threaten the smooth governance of our beloved state under the leadership of Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara," he declared.
The group condemned the ultimatum given to the governor, calling it an attempt to destabilize the state and warning that it could lead to a crisis or even impeachment.
"We call on President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately and put a stop to the actions of the minister, Nyesom Wike, and his associates, whose intent is to drag Rivers State into crisis. The people of Rivers State want stability, progress, and a conducive environment for governance," the group stated.
The militants also warned that if the state's federal allocation is not released, they would take drastic action, including disrupting oil production.
"If the federal allocation due to Rivers State cannot be released promptly, we will have no choice but to take decisive action, including hitting oil production," the group declared.
"We can't generate money into the federation account without having our share. Our workers deserve their salaries, and our government needs the necessary resources to carry out essential development projects."
The group also urged non-indigenes to leave the state for their safety.
"We urge all non-indigenes in Rivers State to consider their safety and leave the state promptly as the situation may escalate. We cherish the safety of all residents and urge for a peaceful resolution to this crisis. Enough is enough. We stand united for the rest and future of Rivers State. We demand respect from our leaders and focus on the development of our region."
With tensions rising, concerned citizens and stakeholders are urging the federal government to intervene and prevent further escalation. The coming days will determine whether peace will be restored or if the crisis will deepen.
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