High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich, National Leader of the Simplicity Movement, has categorically distanced himself, the National Rescue Movement (NRM), the defunct Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF), and Tantita Security Services from the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, which recently issued a threat of hostilities over political tensions in Rivers State.

Jackrich made this clarification in response to a viral video purportedly released by the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, warning of potential violence in reaction to the 48-hour ultimatum given to Governor Siminialayi Fubara by the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly.

Expressing concern over the group’s name, Jackrich stressed that it bears a misleading resemblance to his 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 stated.

Jackrich also pointed out that one of the individuals in the video was dressed in attire resembling that of Tantita Security Services personnel.

“As a contractor with Tantita Security, 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,” he asserted.

As the former leader of the defunct Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF), Jackrich made it clear that NDLF is now under the Presidential Amnesty Programme and is no longer engaged in militant activities.

“It is my responsibility to exonerate the NDLF from any resemblance to the said militia group, as it no longer engages in its old ways,” he said.

Jackrich described the situation as a deliberate attempt to set him up, linking it to his support for Governor Fubara.

“This aligns with the alarm I raised yesterday about certain individuals bent on framing me and linking me to criminal activities. Their goal is to use security agencies to invite me and other leaders supporting Governor Fubara, taking us out of circulation to manipulate the forthcoming local government elections without opposition,” he alleged.

Jackrich recalled a similar incident on April 8, 2024, when the military invaded his home, destroyed his property, and killed two of his workers.

“By the grace of God, I am alive today, and nothing incriminating was found against me despite their desperate attempts to silence me,” he recounted.

Jackrich reiterated that neither he, NRM, nor Tantita Security under his supervision had any connection to criminality or acts of violence.

“As a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have the inalienable right to support whoever I want. My support for Governor Siminialayi Fubara should not be criminalized or turned into an offense. No amount of intimidation will deter me from my convictions,” he declared.

He urged Rivers people to remain peaceful and steadfast, affirming that truth and justice will prevail.