Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has strongly denied allegations by the Federal Government that he orchestrated attacks on oil installations in the state.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara described the claims as false and misleading. He insisted that he had no hand in the threats or attacks by suspected militant groups.
President Bola Tinubu, while declaring a state of emergency in Rivers, had accused Fubara of failing to prevent pipeline attacks. The President also criticized him for demolishing the state House of Assembly complex without making efforts to rebuild it.
Reacting to the accusations, Fubara pointed fingers at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for fueling the unrest in the state. According to him, Wike’s controversial remarks about the Ijaw people triggered tensions that led to the crisis.
“The reaction of stakeholders in the Niger Delta, including elders, chiefs, women, and the Ijaw National Congress, was a response to Wike’s media remarks where he dismissed Ijaws as powerless and not the only ones who could blow up pipelines. He ignored calls for an apology, further escalating tensions,” the statement read.
Fubara emphasized that he had always advocated for peace and security in Rivers State. He pointed to his contributions to safeguarding oil facilities, including his role in the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace and development. “Since taking office, I have worked to support security agencies with operational equipment, vehicles, gunboats, and even helicopters. Our efforts have led to increased oil production and revenue for the country,” he stated.
Addressing the claims about the demolished House of Assembly complex, Fubara clarified that he acted based on expert recommendations. He explained that the structure had severe integrity issues and was in a dilapidated state long before his tenure.
“The previous governor, now FCT Minister, had repeatedly criticized the poor condition of the Assembly complex and rejected calls to renovate it. After expert assessments following the October 2023 incident, we took action to build a modern legislative chamber, which is now 80% completed,” he added.
Fubara also accused security agencies of ignoring real perpetrators of violence in the state. He urged them to focus on the actual instigators rather than misplacing blame.
“It is unfair to accuse someone who has consistently preached peace and non-violence of supporting attacks on oil pipelines. Security agencies must properly investigate and bring the real culprits to justice,” the statement concluded.
As the political crisis in Rivers State deepens, Fubara remains firm in defending his administration’s actions while calling for fairness and justice.
