Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers State, has denied any connection to militant groups, dismissing claims linking him to alleged attacks on oil and gas facilities in the state.
In a statement issued on Monday by Nelson Chukwudi, his chief press secretary, the governor condemned the circulation of “malicious, fake, and imaginary videos” on social media, which purportedly show explosions at critical infrastructure.
“Virtually all the fake videos have been linked to alleged militant groups in the state, with the creators of such content trying very hard to connect them to supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara,” the statement read.
Communities where the incidents were allegedly reported have also refuted the claims, reassuring the public that oil and gas facilities in their areas remain secure and operational.
Fubara made it clear that he has no association with any militant group and does not support activities that could threaten peace and economic stability in the region.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no link to any militant group, does not contemplate any such association, and has no reason to encourage any criminal group or elements, anywhere in the State or Niger Delta, to undertake any action inimical to the peace of the people or safety and security of oil and gas facilities, and by extension, the economy of the country,” the statement added.
Commitment to peace
The embattled governor reiterated his commitment to maintaining peace, emphasising that governance and development can only thrive in a secure environment.
He also issued warning to those spreading misinformation, accusing certain bloggers and social media users of attempting to incite unrest.
“It is also important to warn bloggers and social media hirelings to stop, forthwith, their campaign to create an atmosphere of tension, chaos, and anarchy in the state, as their fake reports and posts in the last couple of days have triggered enough wrong decisions that would not help the state move forward,” the statement said.
Fubara urged security agencies to take decisive action against those responsible for fabricating and spreading false reports.
“Security agencies should take note of these fake videos designed to misinform the people and further paint the state in a bad light, and take every necessary step to contain them and bring those behind them to book,” the statement concluded.
