Niger Delta militants threaten to attack oil facilities

Niger Delta militant group threatens oil facilities over political dispute

A militia group Niger Deltaknown as the Niger Delta Development Force, has issued a stern warning that it will close oil facilities in the region if President Bola Tinubu does not intervene to stop the alleged weakening of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State by the Minister of the Land of the Federal Capital. Nyesom Wike.

In a statement released on Sunday by spokesperson Justin Alabraba, the group expressed outrage over claims that Wike is attempting to manipulate the legal system to secure a ruling that could halt local government allocations to Rivers State. This ruling is expected to be addressed in court on Monday, and the military has promised to take swift action if such a ruling is handed down.

“Our members will not hesitate to shut down oil facilities if any judge in Abuja makes a decision that paralyzes local governments in Rivers State, preventing them from serving their constituents,” the statement said. “We will respond decisively, targeting major oil installations in the Niger Delta. If President Bola Tinubu allows Wike to disrupt governance in local governments in Rivers State, we will retaliate by disrupting governance at all levels.”

The group expressed deep frustration over the current tensions, stating that Wike has repeatedly insulted and intimidated Governor Fubara by taking advantage of his federal resources. They declared that further harassment of Fubara would result in destructive actions against the oil infrastructure, emphasizing that Rivers State is not under Wike’s control.

“For months, Wike has continually tried to undermine Governor Fubara, and we will no longer tolerate this,” the group warned. “If a ruling detrimental to Rivers State is passed, we will resort to bombing and destroying oil facilities. This is not an idle threat; It is a firm promise. We have reached our limit. Wike and Tinubu can no longer take us for granted.”

The forceful statements from the militia signal a possible escalation in the ongoing political struggle within Rivers State, highlighting the fragile dynamic between local and federal authorities in Nigeria.