Rivers Crisis: Fubara Responds to Tinubu’s Allegations, Declares Innocence

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has denied allegations made by President Tinubu, insisting he is innocent amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has refuted the claims made by President Bola Tinubu in his nationwide address on Tuesday night. He is contesting accusations concerning the recent unrest in the state.

In his speech, Tinubu announced a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Fubara and the members of the state’s House of Assembly for six months. Additionally, he appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the sole administrator for the state.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara addressed and denied various allegations, especially those concerning the state of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex.

He claimed that the facility, which was demolished, had already reached nearly 80% completion and had not been abandoned as suggested.

The full statement says: “We have been made aware of several allegations asserting that the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, failed to prevent criminal groups and militants from carrying out their threats to attack oil installations in the state.”

Another claim suggested that after the Hallowed Chambers of the State House of Assembly on Moscow Road in Port Harcourt were demolished, the Governor took no action to rebuild the facility.

Under normal circumstances, we might have dismissed these statements as simply stemming from a lack of adequate information provided to the Presidency by those responsible for informing decision-making. However, it has become essential to clarify the facts and correct any false impressions such narratives are causing among Nigerians.

To begin with, it’s crucial to clarify that Governor Fubara is not connected to the threats made by militants and did not in any way signal or indicate approval of the reported attacks on any oil facilities within the State.

The stakeholders in the Niger Delta, including elders, chiefs, women, members of the Ijaw National Congress and its youth wing (IYC), as well as militants and others, reacted strongly to comments made by Chief Nyesom Wike during a live media chat. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory described Ijaws as “a minority among minorities,” claiming they held little influence in Nigerian politics. He also stated that not only Ijaws but Ogonis, Ikwerres, and other groups were capable of militant actions such as blowing up pipelines.

Many Ijaw groups and leaders demanded an apology from the FCT Minister, but he refused to provide one.

Public records indicate that between March 3 and 13, 2025, Governor Fubara consistently emphasized his administration’s dedication to the peace, security, and safety of oil facilities in the State. He conveyed this message at various forums, including all project commissioning events and during the handover of the AW139 Helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force.

He frequently reminisced about his crucial involvement in the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations in the Region. He consistently highlighted the importance of safeguarding oil pipelines and other facilities within the State, encouraging both his supporters and residents to steer clear of actions that could destabilize the State or harm the nation’s economy.

Since assuming the role of Chief Executive of Rivers State, Governor Fubara has focused on improving the welfare and operational resources for all personnel and branches of the Armed Forces and security agencies within the state. This includes constructing suitable office spaces and residential quarters for officers, as well as providing vehicles, gunboats, helicopters, and other essential equipment to boost their efficiency and effectiveness in duty performance.

His dedication to achieving complete peace and effective governance in the State has played a crucial role in boosting oil production and national revenues since May 29, 2023. This is evident from the consistent increase in revenue contributions from the State to the Federation Account over recent months.

Regarding the accusation that the Governor recklessly demolished the Hallowed Chambers of the State House of Assembly and failed to rebuild them 14 months later, it is documented that Governor Fubara acted according to professional advice and guidance.

To clarify, the former Governor, now serving as FCT Minister, consistently criticized the deteriorating and leaking state of the Assembly Complex. During the commissioning of Assembly Quarters in August 2022, he urged lawmakers to take responsibility for its poor condition and declined requests to rebuild it for providing a better legislative environment.

It is important to mention that right after the October 29, 2023 incident and based on experts’ reports, the Government responded to longstanding requests from lawmakers by deciding to reconstruct the facility. They swiftly demolished the deteriorating structure to make room for a modern Assembly Complex, which is now almost 80 percent finished.

It is worth noting that following the most peaceful and violence-free Local Government election in the State on October 5, 2024, supporters of the FCT Minister violently attacked and set fire to facilities in several local government council secretariats. Despite this aggression, Governor Fubara’s supporters did not retaliate.

It is also important to highlight for security agencies that the LGAs targeted by these attacks are the same areas that have frequently experienced violence from opponents of Governor Fubara’s administration.

This is why security agencies must concentrate on the true instigators of violence, thoroughly assess these incidents, and conduct diligent investigations to uncover those responsible for the crimes and ensure they are brought to justice swiftly and effectively.

It is obviously false to claim that someone who has consistently advocated for peace and non-violence, even under severe provocation, would be “signaling attacks on oil pipelines” or disrupting the peace they have diligently worked to uphold for the benefit of the State’s people.