Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended Governor of Rivers State, refuted allegations that he instigated attacks on oil installations by militant groups and neglected the reconstruction of the demolished State House of Assembly.
Fubara, through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, issued a statement in Port Harcourt addressing claims made by President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). President Tinubu, in a speech declaring a state of emergency in Rivers, criticized Fubara for failing to prevent attacks on oil pipelines.
Fubara’s statement clarified that the attacks were triggered by comments made by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who allegedly described the Ijaw people as “minorities” during a media appearance. Ijaw leaders and groups had reportedly demanded an apology from Wike, which was not given.
The statement emphasized that Fubara did not “telegraph” attacks on oil facilities. It highlighted that reactions from Niger Delta stakeholders, including elders, chiefs, the Ijaw National Congress, and militant groups, were prompted by Wike’s remarks, wherein he allegedly stated that Ijaws were a “minority of the minorities” and that other groups could also disrupt pipelines.
Fubara’s statement asserted that he consistently advocated for the protection of oil facilities, citing his role in the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to peace and security, highlighting investments in security infrastructure and equipment.
Regarding the demolition of the State House of Assembly, Fubara clarified that the decision was based on expert advice due to structural integrity issues. He noted that the reconstruction of a new Assembly complex is nearly 80 percent complete. He pointed out that the former governor (Wike) had repeatedly criticized the dilapidated state of the assembly complex.
Fubara also addressed incidents of violence following the local government elections in October 2024, stating that attacks on council secretariats were perpetrated by Wike’s supporters without retaliation from his own. He called on security agencies to investigate these incidents and apprehend the perpetrators.
The statement concluded by reiterating Fubara’s commitment to peace and non-violence, asserting that he would not orchestrate attacks on oil pipelines.
