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Oil and gas-producing communities in the Niger Delta have warned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State could trigger guerrilla warfare in the region.
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The communities expressed concerns that the recent bombing of the Trans-Niger oil pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Ogoni, Rivers State.
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Joseph Ambakaderimo, urged the federal government to review the contracts to ensure inclusivity and fairness for all stakeholders.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been met with warnings from oil and gas-producing communities in the Niger Delta that it could trigger guerrilla warfare in the region.
The communities expressed concerns that the recent bombing of the Trans-Niger oil pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Ogoni, Rivers State, may be linked to aggrieved ex-militant leaders who feel sidelined in the pipeline surveillance contracts.
According to Joseph Ambakaderimo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Community Development Committees, “A state of emergency can lead to guerrilla warfare, and this country is not ready for such a dire situation.”
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He alleged that some ex-militants involved in pipeline surveillance contracts had been sidelined and might have taken advantage of the crisis in Rivers State to sabotage the pipeline as a means of drawing attention to their grievances.
Ambakaderimo criticised President Tinubu’s decision, arguing that the situation was still manageable and did not warrant a state of emergency. He urged the federal government to urgently review the contracts to ensure inclusivity and fairness for all stakeholders.
“This is why I urge the federal government to urgently review the contracts to ensure inclusivity and fairness for all stakeholders. Reports indicate that out of Train Six of the NLNG, only two are currently operational, which has led to a shortfall in gas supply.”he said.
He also called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to seek dialogue with President Tinubu through senior statesmen in a bid to reverse the decision.
Ambakaderimo condemned the 27 lawmakers in the state for disregarding the Supreme Court’s judgment and prioritizing their own political interests by attempting to impeach Governor Fubara at the behest of their political leader, Nyesom Wike.
READ ALSO:Tinubu’s Emergency Rule In Rivers State: PDP Governors Forum Raises Concerns
“For me, a state of emergency could lead to a full-blown guerrilla conflict, further exacerbating the crisis. If this happens, daily crude oil production will decline, which would be disastrous for the country’s economy,” Ambakaderimo warned.
He emphasized that President Tinubu should reconsider his decision, arguing that doing so would align with his administration’s broader goal of ensuring peace and boosting oil production.
“Rescinding the state of emergency would be a demonstration of the President’s commitment to peace and economic stability. Otherwise, it could amount to shooting himself in the foot,” he added.
Fubara Breaks Silence On State Of Emergency In Rivers
Embattled Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, has called for calm in the state amid the ongoing political crisis. Fubara’s face-off with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, led to President Bola Tinubu suspending him for six months and declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.
In a statement he personally signed, Fubara stated, “I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history. Since assuming office as your governor, we have prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear state.”
