The administration of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has vehemently denied allegations that he failed to prevent militant threats and attacks on critical oil installations in the state.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Fubara ,Nelson Chukwudi, dismissed the claims as unfounded, attributing them to misinformation provided to the Presidency by individuals failing in their responsibility to offer accurate reports.
Chukwudi emphasized that Governor Fubara had been unwavering in his dedication to maintaining peace and securing vital oil infrastructure in the state. He further pointed to recent tensions in the Niger Delta, which he said were primarily sparked by comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Chukwudi claimed that Wike’s remarks, which allegedly downplayed the influence of the Ijaw ethnic group in national politics, led to strong reactions from Ijaw leaders, youth groups, and militants. Some of these groups even called for an apology from the FCT minister.
In response to accusations against Fubara, Chukwudi reiterated the governor’s continuous commitment to the protection of oil installations. He highlighted Fubara’s previous involvement in the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations and his consistent public calls for peace and economic stability in the region.
“As a responsible leader, Governor Fubara has always ensured that security agencies are well-equipped to carry out their duties. This includes providing modern equipment, vehicles, gunboats, and even helicopters to support law enforcement efforts in the state,” Chukwudi said. He further added that Fubara’s dedication to peace had contributed to increased oil production and revenue for the nation since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.
Addressing concerns regarding the demolition of the State House of Assembly Chambers in Port Harcourt, Chukwudi explained that the decision was made based on expert recommendations. He also noted that, during his tenure as governor, Wike himself had condemned the deteriorating condition of the facility and rejected calls for intervention. Following the October 29, 2023, incident that led to the demolition, Chukwudi stated that the Rivers State Government had initiated reconstruction efforts, with the project now nearing 80% completion.
The statement also pointed to the peaceful local government elections held on October 5, 2024, as further evidence of Fubara’s commitment to maintaining stability in the state. However, it condemned the violent attacks on council secretariats allegedly carried out by individuals with ties to the FCT minister.
Chukwudi called on security agencies to investigate the true perpetrators of the violence, urging caution against making misdirected accusations against Governor Fubara. “It is false to suggest that Governor Fubara, who has consistently preached peace even in the face of provocation, would endorse attacks on oil pipelines or any form of violence,” he concluded.
