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A militant group known as the Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, stating that Nigeria’s oil production will be completely halted if Rivers State’s allocation remains frozen, as mandated by a recent Supreme Court ruling.
In a widely circulated video on social media, a group of armed militants—about eight in number—brandished AK-47 rifles and other weapons in an unidentified forest.
Chanting “asawana, asawana,” a phrase commonly used among the Ijaw people, they declared their readiness to act if the state’s financial entitlements were not restored.
The group further advised non-indigenes residing in Rivers State to prioritize their safety and leave the region, warning that tensions were about to escalate.
They insisted that unless the Federal Government and all stakeholders involved in the dispute took immediate steps to resolve the crisis, they would disrupt oil production as a means of protest.
The Supreme Court recently upheld a lower court’s decision to withhold Rivers State’s allocation until a properly constituted House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, is in place.
Reading from a letter in the video, a representative of NDRM expressed concern over the political situation in Rivers State, particularly what they described as attempts to destabilize Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.
“It has come to our attention that certain individuals claiming to be lawmakers have given the governor a 48-hour ultimatum to present the 2025 state budget.
“This is a deliberate effort to create chaos, potentially leading to a state of emergency or even impeachment,” the spokesperson stated.
The militants called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and curb the alleged interference of Minister Nyesom Wike and his allies, whom they accused of instigating a crisis in the state.
They further warned that the youth of Rivers State would not remain passive while the state was plunged into turmoil.
“If our federal allocation is not released promptly, we will have no option but to take drastic action, including shutting down oil production,” the group declared.
In the video, the militants also emphasized their frustration over contributing revenue to the national treasury while being denied their rightful share.
“Our workers need their salaries, and our government requires resources for crucial development projects. We demand what is rightfully ours.”
Reiterating their stance, they urged for a peaceful resolution but warned that if their demands were ignored, they would take necessary action to protect the future of Rivers State.
“We stand united. Enough is enough. We demand respect and development for our region,” they asserted.