Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has condemned the spread of fake videos depicting alleged pipeline explosions in the state, calling on security agencies to investigate and take action against those behind the malicious content.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara described the viral videos as “fake and malicious,” urging the public to dismiss such claims.
He emphasized his commitment to maintaining peace in the state, stating, “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 to undertake any action inimical to the peace of the people.”
The videos, which purportedly show attacks on oil and gas facilities, were widely circulated on social media, with many connecting them to alleged militant groups in the region.
Fubara stressed that the communities where these incidents were claimed to have occurred have already denied any such explosions, reaffirming the security of critical government assets in the area.
“We call on the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation,” said Sobomabo Jackrich, National Leader of the Simplicity Movement, expressing concern over the potential threat these reports posed to the state’s stability.
Fubara also warned against bloggers and social media users who he believes are intentionally stoking tensions in the state.
“Their fake reports and posts in the last couple of days have triggered enough wrong decisions that would not help the state move forward,” he added.
In light of these developments, Fubara urged security forces to track down and prosecute those responsible for spreading false information and creating chaos.
The controversy follows the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, who suspended Fubara and other state officials after a series of pipeline explosions were reported.
The President’s move came in response to threats by militants linked to the political crisis involving the governor’s impeachment.