Niger Delta Group Issues Ultimatum Over Oil Installations

A newly formed militant group in the Niger Delta, known as the Niger Delta Development Force (NDDF), has issued a warning, threatening to target oil installations if President Bola Tinubu does not curtail the interference of Minister Nyesom Wike in the affairs of Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara.

The NDDF expressed particular outrage over Wike’s alleged attempts to influence a ruling by a sympathetic judge aimed at halting local government funding in Rivers State. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja recently dismissed a request from the Rivers State government, which sought to pause proceedings on a case that could affect local government allocations.

The judge deemed the request, presented by the state’s counsel Gordy Uche, frivolous and unwarranted. In response, Justin Alabraba, the spokesperson for NDDF, declared that the group would not hesitate to disrupt oil operations if any judicial decision threatens the financial stability of local governments in Rivers State.

“We will act decisively and swiftly,” Alabraba stated. “If President Tinubu continues to allow Wike to undermine governance at the local level, we will retaliate by shutting down major oil installations throughout the Niger Delta. We refuse to suffer while others prosper. Wike must cease his interference with Fubara’s administration.”

The NDDF said it has been monitoring Wike’s actions for several months, accusing him of using his ministerial position to undermine Governor Fubara. It warned that further aggression from Wike would result in targeted attacks on oil facilities.

“For too long, Wike has disrespected and intimidated Governor Fubara with his federal influence,” Alabraba continued. “We will no longer stand by and watch as he jeopardizes our state’s governance. If Tinubu chooses to ignore this situation, we will take matters into our own hands. Rivers State does not belong to Wike, and he will not complete his term without facing consequences for his actions.”

The group emphasised that they would follow through on their threats should the court rule against Rivers State, asserting, “We will destroy oil installations. This is not just a threat; it’s a commitment. Enough is enough. Wike and Tinubu can no longer take advantage of us.”