The militant group gave the federal government a 90-day ultimatum to meet its demands, including restructuring the country within 90 days.

Mr Buhari’s media aide Femi Adesina condemned the threats in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

The presidential aide described the threat unnecessary as Mr Buhari engaged the Niger Delta and Ijaw National Congress leadership on how best to address the group’s demands.

Mr Adesina argued that Mr Buhari had only met with the concerned stakeholders of the Niger Delta in the Presidential Villa less than 48 hours ago, where they deliberated over many issues, including their demands.

“It is, however, curious that the threat was coming less than 48 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari met with the leadership of the Niger Delta and Ijaw National Congress (INC) at the Presidential Villa,” said Mr Adesina.

He added, “The germane issues had been responded to, especially call for restructuring of the federation, and the inauguration of a board for the Niger Delta Development Commission.”

Mr Adesina, who reproduced the president’s speech during the meeting with the leaders of the Niger Delta and the INC, said the outcome of the meeting had rendered the threats by the group unnecessary.

“For clarity and record purposes, below is full text of the speech by President Buhari on June 25, 2021, which renders any sabre-rattling rather unnecessary,” he stated.