The National Leader of Simplicity Movement, Amb. Sobomabo Jackrich, has distanced himself, National Rescue Mission, Defunct Niger Delta Liberation Force and Tantita Security from the threat of Niger Delta Rescue Movement to resume hostilities.
Ambassador Jackrich made this known in a press statement on Friday, saying there’s no link between his party and NDRM.
The statement read, “My attention has been drawn to a recent video circulating online, purportedly released by a group identified as the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, threatening to resume hostilities in response to the 48-hour ultimatum issued to Governor Siminialayi Fubara by the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly.
“I wish to make the following clarifications regarding this video: No Link Between My Party and the group.
“I am deeply concerned about the name of the group, as it bears a striking resemblance to my political party, the National Rescue Movement (NRM). As the leader of NRM in Rivers State, I categorically distance my party from any link, affiliation, or connection with this group. NRM remains a law-abiding political party committed to democratic principles and peaceful engagement.”
He also noted that there was no connection between the defunct Niger Delta Libration Force, Tanita Security and the group making the threat.
The statement said, “In the said video, I observed that one of the individuals was wearing yellow rain boots, a black polo, and jeans—an attire similar to that worn by personnel of the section of Tantita Security Services. As a contractor with Tantita Security, responsible for protecting oil installations and securing our waterways, I wish to state unequivocally that neither Tantita Security under my watch nor myself have any link, involvement, or association with the said militia group. Tantita Security is committed to lawful security operations in line with its mandate.
“As the leader of the defunct Niger Delta Liberation Force, it is my responsibility to also exonerate the group from this seeming semblance in the name of the said militia group because the NDLF currently is under the Presidential Amnesty Program and no longer into its old ways.”
While stating the video was an attempt to set him up, he warned against intimidation.
The statement added, “This development aligns with the alarm I raised yesterday about certain individuals who are hellbent on framing me and linking me to criminal activities in order to use security agencies to invite me and other leaders supporting Governor Fubara and take us out of circulation. Their ultimate aim is to manipulate the forthcoming local government elections without opposition.
“This same sinister tactic was employed against me on April 8, 2024, when the military invaded my home, destroyed my property, and killed two of my workers. By the grace of God, I am alive today, and nothing incriminating was found against me despite their desperate attempts to silence me.”
While reaffirming his innocence and right to support Governor Fubara, he said, “I wish to state clearly, once again, that neither myself, the National Rescue Movement, nor the Section of Tantita Security under my watch have any connection with criminality or acts of violence. I call on our security agencies to remain vigilant and not fall for the deceitful antics of those seeking to frame me for their selfish political gains.
“As a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have the inalienable right to support whoever I want. And thus, my support for Governor Siminialayi Fubara should not be criminalized or turned into an offense. I will continue to stand by what is right, and no amount of intimidation will deter me from my convictions.
“I urge all well-meaning Rivers people to remain peaceful and steadfast. Truth and justice will prevail.”
