The administration of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has strongly refuted claims that he failed to prevent militant threats and attacks on oil installations in the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Chief Press Secretary to Fubara, Nelson Chukwudi, described the allegations as baseless and a result of misinformation provided to the Presidency by individuals failing in their duty to present accurate reports.
According to Chukwudi, Fubara has remained steadfast in his commitment to maintaining peace and safeguarding critical oil infrastructure.
He noted that the recent tensions in the Niger Delta were primarily sparked by controversial remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a media interview.
He said Wike allegedly downplayed the influence of the Ijaw ethnic group in national politics, provoking strong reactions from Ijaw leaders, youth groups, and militants, some of whom demanded an apology from the minister.
Chukwudi emphasised that Fubara has consistently advocated for the protection of oil installations.
He highlighted Fubara’s past role in the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations and his repeated public statements urging peace and economic stability in the region.
“As a responsible leader, Governor Fubara has continuously invested in security agencies, providing modern equipment, vehicles, gunboats, and even helicopters to support law enforcement efforts in the state,” the statement read. “His unwavering commitment to peace has contributed to increased oil production and revenue for the country since assuming office on May 29, 2023.”
Addressing concerns about the demolition of the State House of Assembly Chambers in Port Harcourt, Chukwudi explained that the decision was based on expert recommendations.
He recalled that during his tenure as governor, Wike had himself condemned the deteriorating condition of the facility and dismissed calls for government intervention.
He said following the October 29, 2023, incident that led to the demolition, the Rivers State Government 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 evidence of Fubara’s commitment to stability.
However, it condemned violent attacks on council secretariats by individuals allegedly loyal to the FCT minister.
Chukwudi called on security agencies to investigate the real perpetrators of violence in the state, cautioning against misdirected accusations against 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.
