A newly-formed Niger Delta militia group, the Niger Delta Development Force (NDDF), has issued a grave warning to President Bola Tinubu, threatening to destroy key oil installations if Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike’s alleged interference in Rivers State governance is not halted......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
In a strongly-worded statement signed by the group’s spokesman, Justin Alabraba, the NDDF expressed outrage at Wike’s purported attempts to undermine the administration of Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara. The group claims that Wike is using his influence in Tinubu’s cabinet to interfere in local governance matters and even manipulate the judicial process.
The group is particularly angered by an alleged plot by Wike to use a “friendly judge” to halt local government allocations in Rivers State.
This follows a recent ruling by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who rejected a request from the Rivers State Government to stay proceedings in a case seeking to stop allocations to local governments.
Alabraba, in his statement, warned of immediate consequences should any court decision be made that financially cripples Rivers State’s local governments.
“We will waste no time. It would be a swift response. We will shut down major oil installations in the Niger Delta,” Alabraba said. “If President Bola Tinubu allows Wike to ground governance at the local government level in Rivers State, we will also ground governance at all levels. We cannot be suffering while other parts of Nigeria are enjoying. Wike should leave Fubara alone.”
The NDDF spokesperson further accused Wike of continuously insulting and intimidating Governor Fubara by wielding his federal influence.
“For months now, Wike has continued to insult and intimidate Governor Fubara using his federal might. We won’t tolerate that anymore,” the statement continued. “Any move against Fubara by Wike would now be met with destruction of oil installations. Since Tinubu wants to play the ostrich, let us all go mad then. Rivers State does not belong to Wike, and he cannot disturb his successor.”
The NDDF warned that there would be no turning back if a judgment is passed against Rivers State, threatening widespread destruction of vital oil facilities.
“We will bomb and continue to destroy oil installations. This is not a threat. This is a promise. Enough is enough. Wike and Tinubu cannot take us for a ride anymore,” Alabraba declared.
This bold warning from the NDDF underscores the deepening political tension between Minister Wike and Governor Fubara, with the potential to severely disrupt Nigeria’s oil production and further destabilize the already volatile Niger Delta region.