The Rivers State Government has firmly denied reports that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu were summoned by the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.).
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Special Services Bureau, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dede Friday, the government condemned the viral report as “false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and incite panic.”
“One such fake announcement falsely claims that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, and the Deputy Governor, Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu, were summoned to a meeting at the Government House on Friday, April 18, 2025,” the statement read.
Vice Admiral Ibas himself disowned the report, declaring: “I never summoned Fubara or his deputy. The claim is entirely fabricated and did not emanate from me or any government authority.”
The government emphasized that no such invitation was issued and warned against the spread of misinformation. “The public is urged to disregard this and similar misinformation, as they are the work of troublemakers seeking to destabilise the state,” the statement continued.
Citizens and media houses were urged to rely on verified communication channels such as the state’s official website and social media platforms. “Please disregard unverified sources and always confirm information from credible, official platforms,” the government added.
The statement concluded with a call for calm, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transparency and public trust.