A public analyst, Ope Banwo, has issued a strong warning regarding the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, stressing that oil is the backbone of Nigeria’s stability and must never be targeted, regardless of political tensions.
He said: “When you’re going to be crazy, don’t go after oil—that is what keeps Nigeria together.”
Ope warned that attacking pipelines is a reckless move that could destabilize the entire nation.
Acknowledging the crisis in Rivers, he argued that targeting vital infrastructure only worsens the situation.
He stated: “Yes, there’s a crisis, but pipelines? That’s crossing the line. If you touch oil, you’re forcing the president to act.”
Ope also questioned the federal government’s swift intervention, noting that oil pipelines had been vandalized in the past without such an urgent response.
“This isn’t the first time oil pipelines have been hit. The military and police have handled similar cases before. Why is this situation suddenly different?”
He emphasized that Nigeria’s economy depends entirely on oil, making any attack on the sector a direct threat to national survival.
Ope continued: “Oil is the only thing holding Nigeria together. The moment it’s threatened, the government will react immediately. It’s the country’s lifeline.”
Suggesting a deeper political motive behind recent events, he stated, “This isn’t just about law and order. It’s a game of power. But, let’s not pretend otherwise.”
He concluded saying that the Rivers crisis is more of a political chess game than a genuine security threat.