Inside Nigeria
Wike: Group vows pipeline bombing in Niger Delta region Oil
The Niger Delta Development Force, a prominent militia group in the Niger Delta region, has issued a warning to President Bola Tinubu, threatening to shut down oil installations if he does not intervene in the political dispute between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The group’s spokesperson, Justin Alabraba, released a statement on Sunday expressing frustration with Wike’s alleged actions, including a reported plan to halt local government allocations in Rivers State through a favorable court ruling. The militia claims such maneuvers threaten the stability of the region and have vowed to destroy critical oil facilities if the President fails to address their concerns.
The Niger Delta Development Force emphasized the potential for severe disruptions in Nigeria’s oil production should their demands be ignored, signaling an escalation in regional tensions tied to political conflicts in Rivers State.
The statement added, “Our members will not hesitate to shut down oil installations if any judge in Abuja issues a pronouncement that financially incapacitates local governments in Rivers State, preventing them from fulfilling their duty to the people.
“We will act immediately. It will be a swift response, and we will shut down major oil installations in the Niger Delta. If President Bola Tinubu allows Wike to disrupt governance in the local governments of Rivers State, we will also disrupt governance at all levels. We cannot continue to suffer while other parts of Nigeria prosper. Wike must leave Fubara alone.
“For months now, Wike has continued to insult and intimidate Governor Fubara, wielding his federal influence. We won’t tolerate that anymore.
Any further move against Fubara by Wike will be met with the destruction of oil installations. Since Tinubu seems intent on turning a blind eye, let us all face the consequences together. Rivers State does not belong to Wike, and he cannot conclude his eight-year term without harassing those who helped him get there while now seeking to disturb his successor.”
The group warned that there would be no turning back if a judgement is issued against Rivers State, insisting, “We will bomb and continue to destroy oil installations. This is not a threat; it is a promise. Enough is enough. Wike and Tinubu cannot take us for granted any longer.”