The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has addressed the allegations made against him by President Bola Tinubu during a national broadcast on Tuesday night.
In his speech, Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State and suspended Fubara, along with members of the state’s House of Assembly, for an initial period of six months. He also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.
Fubara Denies Allegations
In response, Fubara, through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, refuted some of the claims made by the president.
He clarified that the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, which was previously demolished, was not abandoned but was already 80% completed as part of its reconstruction efforts.
The statement further read:
“Governor Fubara has no involvement in any threats made by militants, nor did he play any role in the alleged attacks on oil facilities in the state.”
Fubara also suggested that recent political unrest in Rivers was influenced by comments made by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
He pointed to a statement in which Wike dismissed the Ijaw people, referring to them as a “minority of minorities” and implying that other ethnic groups in Rivers, such as the Ikwerre and Ogoni, could also engage in militant activities.
“Various Ijaw groups, including elders, chiefs, and youth organizations, condemned the remarks and even demanded an apology from Wike, which he refused to give,” Fubara said.
The suspended governor reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace and security in Rivers, particularly regarding the protection of oil installations.
He emphasized his previous role as a member of the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations, reiterating his stance against any activities that could disrupt the state’s stability or sabotage the national economy.
Fubara urged his supporters and the people of Rivers to avoid actions that could escalate tensions or further destabilize the region.
