Tensions in Rivers State, a newly formed militant group, the Niger Delta Development Force, has issued a stern warning to bomb oil installations if a Federal High Court ruling denies local government allocations in the region. The group’s threat comes ahead of a decision expected from Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Monday, which is anticipated to have significant implications for local governance.
The group claims that Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, is leveraging his influence and relationships with judiciary members to secure rulings that undermine the governance of Governor Sim Fubari. Justin Alabraba, the group’s spokesman, stated, “Any judgment that denies Local Governments in Rivers State will be met with heavy destruction of oil installations.”
Alabraba emphasized the group’s readiness to act, declaring, “Let them try it on Monday and see. We will shut down major oil pipelines, and it would be the beginning of the worst to come. Wike cannot be using Tinubu’s powers to cause problems in Rivers State.”
The threat raises concerns about potential violence and disruption in a region already fraught with socio-political challenges and a history of militancy tied to the oil industry. As the ruling date approaches, local authorities and stakeholders are bracing for possible fallout from the court’s decision.
