Nigerian rebel group Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM) has raised tensions in Rivers State, threatening to attack oil installations if the federal government maintains decision not to disperse funds for the state.
Rivers state located in the Niger Delta Region, one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing states in Nigeria. The rebel group prepare to take action against the state which contributes to the economy of Africa’s most populated country.
Reports indicate that the rebel group’s threat follows a decision by Nigeria’s Supreme Court last week to back a proposition made by the lower court by stopping the state allocation until a valid House of Assembly which has Martin Amaewhule as Speaker, is constituted.
The irregularities in Nigeria’s legislative sector, does not count as a reason for the delay of funds’ disbursement – the rebels believe.
The group after an address to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu issued a warning to non-indigenes in the state, urging them to leave for their safety, as they claimed hostilities were imminent.
A video which is making waves since Thursday on social media captures the rebel group in an unknown forest, chanting “asawana, asawana,” a common slogan among the Ijaw people of the Niger delta region.
A supposed leader of the group declared in a letter he read, “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 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 destabilize the state is not only alarming but also a clear attempt and coordinated effort to incite hell, potentially to lead to a state of emergency or even an impeachment.” the rebel leader said.
