Port Harcourt, Nigeria – Barely a week after a major explosion on the Trans-Niger pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, another devastating blast has been reported at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru LGA.
The latest explosion, confirmed by the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), occurred in the early hours of Sunday at a facility operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.
In a statement signed by YEAC-Nigeria’s Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the organization revealed that its youth volunteer network in the area confirmed the explosion, which sent fireballs into the sky. As of the time of reporting, the fire was still burning, though the exact cause of the incident remains unclear.
Authorities have yet to determine whether the explosion resulted from equipment failure, sabotage, or a targeted attack. However, this marks the third such incident in Rivers State within a week, raising serious concerns over the security of vital oil infrastructure.
YEAC-Nigeria has called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct an urgent investigation to ascertain the cause of the explosion and ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021.
Niger Delta Militants Regroup Amid Emergency Rule in Rivers State
Meanwhile, fresh tension is brewing in the Niger Delta following reports that militant leaders have reconvened at a secret creek location to strategize on coordinated attacks on oil facilities.
The development follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, which included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Commander Bibi Oduku, Commandant General of the Riverine Security (Coast-Guard of the Federation), confirmed that high-level threats are emerging in the Niger Delta. He warned that militant groups are planning attacks on federal government properties across the region, which could have devastating consequences for Nigeria’s economy.
“I urge President Tinubu to carefully reconsider the suspension of the Rivers State governor, as the heightened tensions and threats in the Niger Delta pose a significant risk to national security,” Oduku stated.
While assuring the public that riverine security officers are on high alert, he pledged collaboration with the Nigerian military to prevent unauthorized activities and apprehend those responsible for the destruction of critical infrastructure.
Fubara Resurfaces in Port Harcourt Amid Political Crisis
Days after his suspension, Governor Siminalayi Fubara made a public appearance at the Salvation Ministries Headquarters in Port Harcourt, attending a special prayer and thanksgiving service.
Accompanied by key political allies, Fubara expressed gratitude for divine guidance amid the ongoing political turmoil. His presence at the service was widely interpreted as a defiant statement against his suspension.
The governor’s supporters, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement Worldwide (SMW), have refuted claims by Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi that widespread killings necessitated the state of emergency. They insist that Rivers State has remained largely peaceful despite political disagreements.
SMW Director-General Evans Bipi alleged that President Tinubu may have been misinformed before making the controversial decision to suspend Fubara and other top officials.
“The governor’s efforts to present the 2025 budget were repeatedly blocked by the state House of Assembly, whose ultimate goal was to impeach him,” Bipi stated.
SERAP Takes Tinubu to Court Over Suspension of Elected Officials
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Tinubu over what it describes as the “unlawful” suspension of Rivers State’s democratically elected officials.
Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the suit seeks to overturn the President’s decision and reinstate the elected officials. The plaintiffs argue that the suspension violates the Nigerian Constitution and undermines democratic governance.
“The rule of law would be a mere figure of speech if the people’s right to participation can be arbitrarily suspended,” the lawsuit reads.
No date has been set for the hearing of the case.
NNPP Warns Against Setting Dangerous Precedent
In a related development, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has criticized the federal government’s decision, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent.
NNPP Southwest leader Olufemi Oguntoyinbo described the emergency rule as premature and excessive, urging President Tinubu to reconsider.
“The declaration of a state of emergency should have been a last resort,” he said. “This crisis could have been resolved through dialogue rather than drastic measures that undermine democracy.”
Presidency Defends Emergency Rule
Responding to criticisms, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, defended the decision, stating that without the emergency rule, Rivers State could have spiraled into anarchy.
“Waiting for the situation to completely deteriorate before acting would have been irresponsible leadership,” Onanuga stated.
He insisted that President Tinubu acted in the best interest of the nation, preventing further violence and economic sabotage.
With political tensions, security threats, and oil infrastructure attacks escalating, the unfolding crisis in Rivers State remains a major test for the Tinubu administration.
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