Less than 24 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, oil and gas-producing communities in the Niger Delta have raised concerns, warning that the decision could escalate tensions and potentially trigger guerrilla warfare in the region.
The alarm follows the recent bombing of the Trans-Niger oil pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Ogoni, Rivers State, on Tuesday. Community leaders speculate that the attack may be linked to aggrieved ex-militant leaders who feel excluded from pipeline surveillance contracts.
Joseph Ambakaderimo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Community Development Committees (CDC) of Niger Delta Oil and Gas-Producing Areas, cautioned that the unfolding political crisis in Rivers State could quickly evolve into a full-scale economic disaster if not addressed with tact and diplomacy.
“State of Emergency Could Lead to Guerrilla Warfare” – Ambakaderimo Warns
Ambakaderimo strongly criticized President Tinubu’s decision, asserting that the crisis remained manageable and did not warrant such drastic intervention.
“A state of emergency can lead to guerrilla warfare, and this country is not ready for such a dire situation,” he warned.
He alleged that certain ex-militants who were previously engaged in pipeline surveillance contracts had been sidelined and might have resorted to acts of sabotage to express their grievances.
“This is why I urge the federal government to urgently review these contracts to ensure inclusivity and fairness for all stakeholders. Reports indicate that out of Train Six of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) project, only two are currently operational, causing a shortfall in gas supply.
“If crude oil production suffers the same fate due to insecurity and conflict, the consequences for the national economy will be disastrous. The government must reassess its approach to these contracts, possibly engaging the CDC to mediate with affected groups and communities,” he added.
Calls for Dialogue and Reassessment of Political Moves
Despite the emergency declaration, Ambakaderimo urged Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to seek a peaceful resolution by engaging with President Tinubu through senior statesmen. He emphasized the need for dialogue to de-escalate the situation and possibly reverse the emergency rule decision.
Furthermore, he condemned the 27 lawmakers in Rivers State for their actions, accusing them of disregarding the Supreme Court’s judgment and prioritizing their own political interests. According to him, their primary agenda had been to impeach Governor Fubara at the behest of their political leader, Nyesom Wike.
“Governor Fubara has been the only one making efforts to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling, even at his own detriment. However, these lawmakers pursued a different agenda, to remove him from office. They outrightly ignored the court’s judgment and even refused to accept the budget from the Governor,” he lamented.
“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 cautioned.
Reconsideration of Emergency Rule for Peace and Stability
In his concluding remarks, Ambakaderimo emphasized that President Tinubu should reconsider his decision, arguing that doing so would align with his administration’s broader goals of fostering 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 stated.
The warning from the Niger Delta communities highlights the growing concerns over how political instability in Rivers State could spiral into an economic and security crisis, further threatening Nigeria’s already fragile oil sector.
