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.




https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/rivers-state-of-emergency-may-lead-to-guerrilla-warfare-host-communities-warn/