Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has absolved himself of any responsibility for the recent explosion of oil pipelines in the state. The incident prompted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on Tuesday, blaming Fubara for failing to curb threats from militant groups.
In a statement issued by his press secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Fubara rejected the allegations, stating that the President’s decision was based on misinformation. He emphasized that his administration has always prioritized security and peace in the state. “Governor Fubara has nothing to do with the threats by militants and did not in any way ‘telegraph’ the reported attacks on any oil facility in the State,” the statement read.
Fubara Accuses Wike of Inciting Tensions in Rivers State
The embattled governor attributed the heightened tensions in Rivers to remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. He pointed out that Wike’s inflammatory comments against the Ijaw ethnic group during a live media chat were the primary cause of the crisis.
According to Fubara, Wike had dismissed the Ijaws as a “minority of the minorities” in Nigerian politics and downplayed their influence, sparking outrage among Niger Delta stakeholders, including the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC). He noted that despite calls from Ijaw leaders for an apology, Wike refused to retract his statements. This, Fubara argued, led to the protests and unrest that eventually escalated into attacks on oil facilities.
Commitment to Security and Protection of Oil Installations
Fubara refuted claims that his administration neglected security, highlighting his active role in safeguarding the state’s oil infrastructure. He recalled his participation in the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations in the Niger Delta and reiterated his consistent advocacy for peace.
The statement further detailed his government’s contributions to security agencies, including the donation of operational vehicles, gunboats, helicopters, and modern residential accommodations for officers. “Governor Fubara has prioritized investment in security and has continued to work closely with the Armed Forces to ensure the safety of critical infrastructure,” the statement added.
Response to Accusations Over Assembly Complex Demolition
Addressing allegations that he demolished the Hallowed Chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly without rebuilding it, Fubara maintained that his decision was based on expert recommendations. He clarified that the old structure was in a dilapidated state, a concern that even Wike had raised during his tenure as governor.
Fubara explained that after the October 29, 2023, fire incident, the government opted to construct a modern Assembly Complex. “The project is now nearly 80 percent completed,” he revealed, countering claims that no effort had been made to rebuild the facility.
Calls for Impartial Security Investigation
Fubara also urged security agencies to investigate the real perpetrators of violence in Rivers State, particularly those responsible for attacks on local government secretariats. He accused Wike’s supporters of orchestrating the destruction of council facilities during the October 5, 2024, local government elections, while his own supporters refrained from retaliation.
He emphasized that his administration has consistently advocated for peace, even in the face of extreme provocation. “It would be untrue to suggest that someone who has tirelessly worked to maintain peace in Rivers State would be involved in orchestrating violence against the same people he governs,” the statement concluded.
As tensions continue to rise in Rivers, stakeholders are calling for a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover the true instigators of the ongoing crisis.
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