Niger-Delta Militants Regroup, After Emergency Meeting, Holds Wider Consultations With Leaders

Respecting Rivers people’s mandates Intervention in Rivers and the burden of leadership in times of crisis The details were not apparent yesterday, but a dependable source said the militant leaders wanted to ensure full participation of the various militant groups in the Niger Delta and were holding wide consultations with leaders. Commander Bibi Oduku, the commandant general of the Riverine Security (Coast-Guard of the Federation), who confirmed the “high threats in the Niger Delta and probable impact on Nigeria’s economy,” admonished President Tinubu to reconsider the suspension of Fubara. His words: “I urge President Bola Tinubu to carefully consider the suspension of the Rivers State governor because of the heightened tensions and threats in the Niger Delta. These threats pose a significant risk to the nation’s economy.

“Militant groups are planning to attack federal government properties across Niger Delta states while miscreants may exploit the situation to engage in criminal activities. “This could lead to loss of life among innocent citizens and military personnel deployed for peacekeeping.” Commander Oduku, however, assured that “Riverine security officers are vigilant and ready to prevent unauthorized groups from engaging in illegal activities and will work closely with the Nigerian military and other security agencies to apprehend those involved in attacks on federal government properties.”

Also, Captains Eric Foutoru and ThankGod Oprom, in charge of the Rivers and Delta States’ waterways, respectively, pledged their support to the military in calming the security situation in the states and the Niger Delta in general. Oduku recalled the statement of a former presidential amnesty boss, Brigadier General Paul T. Boroh, retd., who cautioned youths in the Niger Delta against allowing anger to dictate their actions. “President Tinubu is not a proponent of violence, so youths should refrain from unlawful acts that could harm lives and properties,’’ he said. He condemned the destruction of oil pipelines in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, promising that the riverine security officers would bring perpetrators to justice.

The commandant-general advised citizens of Rivers State and the Niger Delta to embrace peace and allow the law to take its course.

Fubara Support Group blames Tinubu’s decision on misinformation •Refutes AGF’s allegation of killings in Rivers The support group of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, simply known as Simplified Movement worldwide, SMW, has refuted the statement accredited to the Attorney General of the federation and Minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, that it was killing that occasioned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state.

Director General of the group, Evans Bipi, said President Bola Tinubu might have been misinformed of the true situation in the state which led to the proclamation of a state of emergency and eventual suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy and the House of Assembly last Tuesday. Bipi in a statement in Port Harcourt yesterday, welcomed the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, retd, as he assumed office under the emergency rule. “We are confident that as a former naval chief and the immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, the sole administrator will leverage on his wealth of experience to steer the affairs of the state within the period of his stay in office,

’’ Bipi said. He, however, refuted comment credited to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, alleging that killings occasioned by heightened insecurity in Rivers State prompted the President to declare the state of emergency. He said: “We consider the Attorney General’s claim as baseless, fallacious, and an ill-fated attempt to justify the declaration of the state of emergency. “Rivers State has been largely peaceful, with improved security under the pragmatic leadership of our peace-loving governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, despite the political impasse in the state. “We believe the President may have been wrongly advised by the Attorney General and his associates to declare the emergency rule in the state.” Bipi noted that to demonstrate his maturity, respect for the rule of law and his philosophy that no sacrifice was too much to pay for peace, Governor Fubara heeded the advice of the President that he should ‘stoop to conquer’ by complying fully with the Supreme Court judgment.

He recalled that the governor made several unsuccessful attempts to present the 2025 budget before Rivers State House of Assembly, including officially inviting them to a meeting to outline modalities of implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, which they rebuffed. “He was denied access to the Assembly Quarters for the budget presentation, despite notifying the Assembly of his planned visit, which they claimed not to have received.

“The governor had planned to return to the Assembly Quarters on Wednesday, March 19, for a third attempt, after notifying them, which they also denied, to present the budget before the President declared the state of emergency on Tuesday night, March 18. “Despite disagreeing with the Supreme Court judgment, Governor Fubara had demonstrated enough willingness and sincerity to implement the judgment..

‘’The governor’s efforts were deliberately frustrated by Rivers State House of Assembly, whose ultimate goal was to impeach him, and not to receive the budget, under the guise of gross misconduct, including non-presentation of an appropriation bill which they intentionally failed to receive”. The former lawmaker described the suspended governor as an epitome of Nigeria’s democracy and assured that the Simplified Movement Worldwide, which is arguably “the most formidable and indomitable socio-political movement in Rivers State and beyond, stands solidly behind you, through thick and thin.”