A newly established militant group, the Niger Delta Development Force, has threatened to bomb oil installations in response to an alleged plan to use a Federal High Court in Abuja to deny local government allocations to Rivers State. This warning comes ahead of a decision expected from Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Monday, which could significantly affect local governance in the oil-rich region.
The group claims that Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, is manipulating his connections within the judiciary to obtain rulings that undermine Governor Sim Fubara’s administration in Rivers State.
Justin Alabraba, the group’s spokesperson, stated in a Sunday release that any judgment denying Rivers local governments their monthly allocations will be met with severe destruction of oil facilities. He warned, “Let them try it on Monday and see. We will shut down major oil pipelines, and it would mark the beginning of greater turmoil. Wike cannot wield Tinubu’s influence to create issues in Rivers State.”
This threat raises alarms about potential violence in a region already grappling with socio-political instability and a legacy of militancy linked to the oil sector. As the ruling date approaches, local authorities and stakeholders are preparing for possible repercussions from the court’s decision.