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Avengers Threaten Fresh Onslaught In N’Delta
L-R: Branch Secretary, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIARB), United Kingdom, Nigeria Branch, Mrs Folashade Alli, Chairperson of CIARB, Young Members Group (YMG), Folake Sadiq, Chairperson of CIARB, UK, Nigeria Branch, Mrs Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour and Vice Chairman, YMG, Afolabi Adedipe, during the 1st Annual Conference of the CIARB, Young Members Group in Lagos, last Wednesday.
The militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, which last year aborted attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta region to enable the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) proceed with meaningful dialogue with the Federal Government, has announced the suspension of ceasefire.
In a statement by its spokesman, Mudoch Agbinibo, the group renounced PANDEF, led by former federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark, ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, and another militant group, the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers.
The statement said, “The Niger Delta Avengers are back and will not spare anything or anyone on our path to actualise a united and free Niger Delta.
“Our next line of operation will not be like the 2016 campaign, which we operated successfully without any casualties. This outing will be brutish, brutal and bloody, as we shall crush everything we meet on our path to completely put off the fires that burn to flair gas in our communities and cut every pipe that moves crude away from our region.
“We can assure you that every oil installation in our region will feel warmth of the wrath of the Niger Delta Avengers,” he said.
Reacting to the threats, however, leaders in the Niger Delta have rejected the militants’ position to restart bombing of oil and gas installations in the region, saying it was unreasonable and uncalled for.
But activists and campaigners also blamed the Federal Government for the twist of the militants, and lambasted feuding leaders and groups in the region for playing into the hands of government.
The campaigners said they were not surprised that the militants issued the notice of recommencement of its suspended ‘Operation Red Economy’.
It was learned that the convener of PANDEF, Chief Edwin Clark, was consulting with other leaders across the region, last weekend, and the consensus was that there was no need for hostilities by the Niger Delta youth.
The National Leader of Pan-Niger Delta People Congress (PNDPC), and Paramount Ruler of Seimbiri Kingdom, Delta State, Chief Charles Ayemi-Botu, who spoke on phone from New York, United States, said he did not see any need for the Avengers or any other militant group to return to bombing of oil facilities.
“Dialogue remains the best option; the Federal Government should be open to more discussions with the leaders of the region and implement agreements reached. It should hearken to the demands of the people and execute them. President Muhammadu Buhari met with Niger Delta leaders about a year ago. I was among the leaders that met with him and since then, nothing has happened.
A former military governor of Akwa Ibom State and PANDEF leader, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd), attributed the threat by Avengers to the failure of the Federal Government to keep to its promise to meet the demands of the Niger Delta.
He said, “It is unfortunate because it is like we are going back to the starting point. This is where we were about this time last year, and that was how concerned elders came together under PANDEF. It was that intervention that made them to cease hostilities and oil production went up from 800,000 barrels per day to over 2million. I think recently we have relaxed on the need to continue on the peace initiative.
The Ibedaowei of Opokuma Kingdom, King Okpoitari Diongoli, said the threat was a troubling development with huge potentials to reverse the wheel of progress in the oil-rich region. “However, I call for caution from all stakeholders as dialogue remains the most potent weapon for the peaceful resolution of the impasse”, he said.
“In my view, the Federal Government needs to show genuine commitment and sincerity of purpose in addressing the Niger Delta issues. The issues of review of ownership of oil blocks, the modular refineries, restructuring, devolution of powers and true federalism have been on the front burner for over 50 years and have not been addressed by the authorities which has further fuelled renewed tension in the Niger Delta.
Environmental and human rights activist, Ann-Kio Briggs, said she was not surprised that the NDA had said government was never sincere, adding “The policy that the government is operating is not a policy that favours the Niger Delta”.
“That is why even when former President Goodluck Jonathan was in power; it was not possible for him to do what we expected of him. The fact that for over a year, PANDEF has not been able to achieve even one point of the 16-point agenda given to the government shows clearly that government is not sincere”, she added.
National President of Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative (IPDI), Austin Ozobo, who shared Ann-Kio Briggs’ position stated: “We blame President Buhari for the return of the NDA and the suspension of PANDEF activities. Buhari trivialized Niger Delta demands and that is the cause of the return of Niger Delta Avengers, so, the international community and other well-meaning persons should hold Buhari responsible for any crisis in the region”.
Factional President, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Eric Omare, said the decision by the NDA to resume hostilities was very unfortunate and worrisome.
“It is worrisome because of the devastating effect the attacks had on the Nigerian economy the last time”, Omare said.
However, the Presidency and the military, have carefully refrained from commenting on the NDA threat.
When contacted, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, referred newsmen to the Amnesty Office, saying “Reach Gen. Paul Boroh of Amnesty Office”.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said he had not been briefed.
The spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Maj-Gen John Enenche, could not be reached for comments.
The spokesperson for the Army, Brig-Gen Sani Usman, also did not pick telephone calls, but in response to text message, he referred our correspondent to the Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), currently keeping the peace in the Niger Delta, for comments on the NDA threat.
When contacted, the spokesman for OPDS, Major Ibrahim Abdullah, he promised to get back, but as at press time, he was yet to do so.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.