Siminalayi Fubara, has strongly denied any involvement in threats made by militants against oil facilities in the state, refuting claims that he failed to act against these criminal groups. Fubara, in a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, also addressed allegations regarding the demolition of the State House of Assembly building, emphasizing that the decision was made based on professional advice and that reconstruction efforts are well underway.
The statement, issued to set the record straight, comes in the wake of reports suggesting the Governor’s complicity in a series of violent events in Rivers State, including attacks on oil installations and the razing of local government council facilities. These allegations have sparked widespread debate, with critics pointing to an alleged lack of action on Fubara’s part to prevent violence in the region.
One of the key accusations leveled against Governor Fubara was that he failed to dissuade militant groups from following through on threats to attack oil facilities in the region. However, the Governor has firmly denied any involvement in the threats and vehemently rejected claims that he “telegraphed” the attacks.
Fubara’s press statement made it clear that he had no connection to these militant actions. “The Governor has nothing to do with the threats by militants, nor did he in any way ‘telegraph’ the reported attacks on any oil facility in the State,” the statement said.
According to the Governor’s office, the unrest among militants and stakeholders in the Niger Delta was triggered by comments made by Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), during a media appearance. In that broadcast, Wike reportedly downplayed the influence of the Ijaw ethnic group, calling them “a minority of the minorities” and suggesting that other ethnic groups such as the Ogonis and Ikwerres were also capable of engaging in militant activities like pipeline bombings.
This remark reportedly angered several Ijaw groups, including the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and its youth wing, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), who called for an apology from Wike. However, the Minister refused to offer one, further escalating tensions.
Governor Fubara has consistently spoken out against violence and urged all groups in the state to uphold peace, particularly regarding the safety of oil facilities, which are critical to the national economy. As part of his ongoing efforts to ensure security in the state, Fubara has made significant investments in the welfare and operational equipment of security agencies, including providing them with vehicles, boats, helicopters, and modern infrastructure to aid their work.
Another issue that has been raised in public discussions is the claim that Governor Fubara demolished the State House of Assembly building and has failed to rebuild it, despite the passage of more than a year. Critics have argued that the Governor acted without proper regard for the legislative institution.
However, Fubara’s spokesperson addressed this concern by providing context to the demolition and reconstruction process. The press statement clarified that the Governor’s decision to demolish the old Assembly building was made based on expert advice following reports that the structure was dilapidated and unsafe. The decision was also in line with the Governor’s commitment to modernize state infrastructure.
It was pointed out that the former Governor, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, had previously criticized the state of the Assembly building, which was prone to leaks and decay. During the commissioning of the Assembly Quarters in August 2022, Wike had called on lawmakers to take responsibility for the poor state of the Assembly complex but rejected requests to rebuild it.
The Governor’s office explained that after a significant incident on October 29, 2023, and expert consultations, it was decided to demolish the old structure and build a new, state-of-the-art Assembly Complex. According to the statement, the reconstruction is progressing well, with the new facility now nearly 80% complete.
The statement also touched on recent violent attacks that occurred following the Local Government elections in the state on October 5, 2024. Supporters of Chief Nyesom Wike were accused of attacking and destroying council facilities in various parts of Rivers State. Despite the violence, the statement highlighted that there were no reprisals from Governor Fubara’s supporters, who have been committed to maintaining peace.
The Governor’s office highlighted that the Local Government Areas (LGAs) targeted in these attacks have been areas of continued unrest and violence, often attributed to opponents of the current administration. The Governor called on security agencies to focus their investigations on identifying and bringing to justice those responsible for these acts of violence.
“The security agencies must focus on the real perpetrators of violence and thoroughly investigate these incidents. The elements behind these attacks must be brought to justice without delay,” the statement urged.
Governor Fubara has repeatedly called for peace and stability in the region, stressing that violence only undermines the economic and social progress of the state. His administration has made it a priority to ensure the security of vital oil installations, which contribute significantly to the national economy. Since Fubara took office in May 2023, there has been a noticeable increase in oil production and revenues, which has been attributed to the state’s improved security measures.
Governor Fubara’s office was keen to correct what it described as an “erroneous impression” being spread by certain narratives in the media. The statement dismissed claims that the Governor had been inactive or complicit in the reported attacks on oil facilities and other acts of violence in the state.
“Governor Fubara has consistently preached peace and non-violence, even in the face of extreme provocations. It is clearly untrue to suggest that someone who has dedicated himself to maintaining peace would ‘telegraph’ attacks on oil pipelines,” the statement concluded.
