In a forceful rebuttal to recent allegations, Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has strongly denied claims that his principal is connected to the ongoing attacks on oil facilities in the state.
The statement, issued late Thursday evening, challenges accusations that Governor Fubara did little to discourage militant groups from targeting critical oil infrastructure.
The recent spate of attacks on oil installations in Rivers has drawn widespread attention, with some linking the assaults to the deepening political crisis in the state.
Chukwudi, however, insists that the claims against Fubara are baseless and that the presidency has not received “adequate information” about the real situation on the ground in Rivers.
In his statement, Chukwudi said, “It is important to set the record straight and correct the false narratives that have been circulating.
Governor Fubara has no involvement in the threats posed by militants nor did he ever give any indication of the attacks on oil facilities in the state.”
He went on to point out that the recent unrest in the Niger Delta region was sparked by comments made by Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, during a live media chat.
Wike’s controversial remarks, dismissing the Ijaw ethnic group as a powerless minority and suggesting that other groups in the region could also engage in militant actions, were reportedly met with anger from Ijaw leaders and groups.
These remarks, Chukwudi claimed, played a pivotal role in escalating tensions.
“Governor Fubara, along with key Niger Delta stakeholders, including elders, chiefs, and Ijaw National Congress members, has continuously advocated for peace and security in the region.
“His commitment to the protection of oil facilities has been unwavering,” said Chukwudi, referencing Fubara’s role as a member of the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations.
The statement also addressed claims by President Bola Tinubu, who had alleged that Fubara failed to take steps to rebuild the Rivers State Assembly following its demolition.
Chukwudi clarified that Fubara had consistently criticized the state of the Assembly Complex, which had become dilapidated and unsafe.
“The former governor rejected calls to rebuild the structure during the commissioning of the Assembly Quarters in August 2022, urging lawmakers to take responsibility for the poor condition of the building,” he said.
Chukwudi further revealed that the rebuilding of the Assembly Complex is now nearly complete, with 80% of the work already finished.
The political turbulence in Rivers escalated further this week when President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, citing the prolonged crisis.
In a sweeping move, Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state house of assembly for six months.
Additionally, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator for Rivers.
On Thursday, the Senate and House of Representatives controversially approved the emergency rule, with the situation in the state continuing to evolve rapidly.
