The Rivers State Government has denied allegations that Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to prevent criminal groups from attacking oil pipeline/installations in the state. In response to these claims, the government issued a statement refuting any involvement in the threats and clarifying the governor’s position on security and governance.
The accusations suggest that Governor Fubara did nothing to deter militants from disrupting oil production. Additionally, there are claims that after demolishing the State Assembly’s Hallowed Chambers, he failed to rebuild the facility. However, the government insists these claims are based on misinformation and misrepresentation of the facts.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, the government initially dismissed these allegations as a result of misinformation at the federal level. However, given the risk of misleading the public, the administration decided to set the record straight.
The statement firmly denies that Governor Fubara had any role in encouraging attacks on oil pipeline/facilities. It clarifies that threats from certain Niger Delta groups were not influenced by the governor but were reactions to remarks made by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike. During a live media chat, Wike allegedly dismissed the Ijaws as a “minority of the minorities” and suggested that militants from other ethnic groups could also attack oil pipelines.
These comments triggered outrage from various Ijaw groups, including the Ijaw National Congress and its youth wing, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC). Many demanded an apology from Wike, but he reportedly ignored their calls. Despite the tension, Governor Fubara remained committed to peace and the protection of oil facilities.
“Public records show that the governor has consistently emphasized the need to safeguard oil installations. During project commissioning events and the recent handover of an AW139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, he reiterated his administration’s commitment to security. Governor Fubara also reminded stakeholders of his previous role in the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations, stressing the importance of preventing sabotage and ensuring the smooth operation of oil facilities.
Since assuming office, the governor has made significant investments in security infrastructure. His administration has provided accommodation, operational equipment, vehicles, gunboats, and helicopters to security forces in the state. These efforts have contributed to increased oil production and revenue generation for the country, as reflected in rising contributions from Rivers State to the Federation Account since May 2023.”
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On the claim that Governor Fubara demolished the State Assembly Chambers without rebuilding it, the government insists the decision was based on expert recommendations. The statement highlights that before Fubara took office, then-Governor Wike had publicly criticized the poor condition of the Assembly Complex, even challenging lawmakers to take responsibility for its state. Wike reportedly rejected requests for the government to renovate the structure.
After the October 29, 2023, incident, in which the building suffered significant damage, experts advised the government to rebuild it. In response, Governor Fubara’s administration demolished the old structure and began constructing a modern Assembly Complex. The new facility, according to the government, is now nearly 80 percent complete.
The statement also addresses the violence that followed the local government elections in Rivers State on October 5, 2024. The government claims that supporters of the FCT Minister attacked and burned down local government secretariats. Despite these provocations, Governor Fubara’s supporters did not retaliate.
The government has called on security agencies to focus on the true perpetrators of violence rather than being distracted by false allegations. It urges investigators to critically examine recent attacks and take decisive action against those responsible.
The statement concludes by reaffirming that Governor Fubara has consistently promoted peace and stability, even in politically charged situations. The government dismisses claims that he played any role in oil pipeline attacks, emphasizing that his administration remains focused on security, governance, and economic stability.
