Rivers State Crisis: A Ticking Time Bomb For Nigeria's Economy

Less Than 24 Hours Later: Rivers State on the Brink of Chaos

It’s been less than a day since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, and already, the Niger Delta oil and gas-producing communities are raising red flags. They’re warning that this decision could spiral into something much worse—a full-blown guerrilla warfare scenario. The tension is palpable, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for Nigeria’s fragile economy.

The situation escalated after the bombing of the Trans-Niger oil pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Ogoni, Rivers State, just this past Tuesday. The communities are pointing fingers at disgruntled ex-militant leaders, who feel they’ve been left out of the lucrative pipeline surveillance contracts. It’s a powder keg waiting to explode, and the timing couldn’t be worse.

Joseph Ambakaderimo Sounds the Alarm

Joseph Ambakaderimo, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Community Development Committees (CDC) for Niger Delta oil and gas-producing areas, spoke out on Wednesday, warning that mishandling this crisis could have dire consequences. In his view, President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency was unnecessary and could backfire in ways no one is prepared for.

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“A state of emergency can lead to guerrilla warfare, and this country is not ready for such a dire situation,” Ambakaderimo emphasized, his voice heavy with concern. He also pointed out that ex-militants, who’ve been sidelined from pipeline surveillance contracts, might have been the ones behind the recent sabotage of the pipeline. These grievances, if left unchecked, could escalate the crisis beyond anyone’s control.

Fairness and Inclusivity: The Need of the Hour

Ambakaderimo called on the federal government to revisit these contracts, ensuring they’re fair and inclusive for all stakeholders. He highlighted the precarious state of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, noting that out of Train Six of the NLNG, only two are currently operational. This shortfall in gas supply has already taken a toll, and if crude oil production suffers a similar fate, the repercussions for the national economy could be catastrophic.

“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,” Ambakaderimo warned. He urged Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to step in and mediate, seeking dialogue with President Tinubu through senior statesmen in an attempt to reverse the decision.

Lawmakers Under Fire: A Battle for Political Power

Ambakaderimo didn’t hold back when it came to criticizing the 27 lawmakers in the state. He accused them of disregarding the Supreme Court’s judgment and attempting to impeach Governor Fubara, all in pursuit of their own political interests. According to him, these lawmakers are under the influence of their political leader, Nyesom Wike, and are ignoring the bigger picture.

“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,” Ambakaderimo said, his tone sharp with frustration. He warned that the declaration of a state of emergency could further inflame the situation, leading to a significant decline in crude oil production and crippling the country’s economy.

A Call for Peace and Stability

Ambakaderimo emphasized that rescinding the state of emergency would align with President Tinubu’s stated goals of ensuring peace and stabilizing the economy. He warned that failing to do so could have catastrophic consequences for the nation. “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.

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Naija News reports that President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday evening, citing the need to restore law and order. The declaration, made during a nationwide broadcast, saw the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six months.

As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu nominated retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the administrator to take charge of the state’s affairs. The situation remains tense, and all eyes are on how this unfolds in the coming days. The Niger Delta, a region that has long been at the center of Nigeria’s oil and gas production, is once again in the spotlight, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.