current matters
The Movement of the Emancipation of the Niger Delta ( M.E.N.D) on Sunday reportedly attacked key oil installations in Rivers State further escalating tension in Rivers and the Niger Delta region currently experiencing political crisis
The attacks led to the destruction of Ogada Brass Agip trunk line , which runs from Omoku to the Brass Agip terminal ar about 2 am on Sunday.
The group in its avowed commitment to destroy national economic assets also targeted a strategic location along the Oron behind the Maritime Academy .
A statement by MEND official named as Commander of Operations of L.A.N.D & B and cited by current matters online said that the attack was first in the series of others to come to protest the emergency rule and expel ” usurpers of the people’s legitimate authority “from Rivers State.
” We call upon all armed groups in Rivers State not to allow this affront pass without a fitting consequence ” the statement said.
Rivers State has been under under Emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu on March 18 as a measure to protect key national economic assets.
In rolling out the emergency rule which he announced would last 6 months, the president punished Governor Siminilayi Fubara, his Deputy and members of the State House of Assembly with suspension from office for six months and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas ( Retd) a former Naval Chief as the administrator
Tinubu publicly cautioned Ibas not to make laws or projects but continue with existing ones but Ibas, after commending projects executed by Fubara including the Assembly complex which is near completion, turned around and dissolved all boards and commissions including other political appointees.
The administrator also defied a court order restraining him from appointing caretaker committees or in whatever name at the LGAs but went ahead and appointed sole administrators at the 23 local government councils and reconstituted boards like the Rivers State Electoral Commission RSIEC with names allegedly reasonating from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike’s camp. This action of Ibas according to many, including the women of Rivers State is a” political conquest ” which they regarded as an affront to their dignity and called on President Tinubu to reinstate Governor Siminilayi Fubara without delay.
