Suspended Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara on Monday dismissed allegations linking him to militant activities in the state.
This follows reports that militants were allegedly mobilized and awaiting his orders to attack oil pipelines.
The accusations originated from an article by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, who alleged that intelligence reports had warned of imminent militant attacks aimed at disrupting Nigeria’s oil output.
Onanuga stated that the militants were on standby, awaiting signals from Governor Fubara, before Tinubu intervened by imposing the emergency rule.
The emergency declaration led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
Retired Chief of Naval Staff Ibok-Ette Ibas was appointed as the state’s sole administrator, with the National Assembly swiftly approving the move.
Reacting to the allegations, Fubara in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Nelson Chukwudi denied any ties to militants and described the reports as baseless and politically motivated.
He insisted that his administration is committed to peace and security in Rivers State and warned against the spread of misinformation.
Fubara also called on residents to ignore false videos and reports alleging explosions and unrest in the state, urging social media users and bloggers to stop sharing fake content designed to create panic.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no link to any militant group, does not contemplate any such association, and has no reason to encourage any criminal group or elements, anywhere in the State or Niger Delta, to undertake any action inimical to the peace of the people or safety and security of oil and gas facilities, and by extension, the economy of the country.
“The Governor had repeatedly made it clear at every public event that the peace of the State is paramount to him, and that he would pay any price to secure and sustain peace in the State, as it is only in an atmosphere of peace and security that governance and development can thrive.
“Governor Fubara vehemently warns purveyors of violence and economic sabotage to steer clear of the State, and avoid any attempt to use his name or capitalise on the present political crisis to foment trouble in the State”, the statement read in part.
