Less than 24 hours after the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, oil and gas-producing communities in the Niger Delta have warned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision could trigger guerrilla warfare in the region.
The communities expressed concerns that the recent bombing of the major Trans-Niger oil pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Ogoni, Rivers State, on Tuesday may be linked to aggrieved ex-militant leaders who feel sidelined in the pipeline surveillance contracts.
Speaking exclusively to Vanguard on Wednesday, Joseph Ambakaderimo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of Community Development Committees (CDC) of Niger Delta Oil and Gas-Producing Areas, cautioned that the political crisis in Rivers State could spiral into an economic crisis if not handled with tact and diplomacy.
Ambakaderimo criticized President Tinubu’s decision, arguing that the situation was still manageable and did not warrant a state of emergency.
“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 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.
“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.
“If crude oil production suffers a similar fate, 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 stated.
Despite the declaration of a state of emergency, Ambakaderimo called on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to seek dialogue with President Tinubu through senior statesmen in a bid to reverse the decision.
He also 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.
“Governor Fubara has been the only one trying to implement the court’s judgment, even at his own detriment. However, the lawmakers pursued a different agenda—to remove him from office. They outrightly ignored the Supreme Court’s ruling and even refused to accept the budget from the Governor.
“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,” he warned.
Ambakaderimo 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 concluded. (Vanguard)
