Suspended governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminanayi Fubara, has responded to allegations made by President Bola Tinubu in his recent broadcast, where he declared a state of emergency in the state. President Tinubu had suspended Fubara and members of the Rivers House of Assembly for six months, appointing a sole administrator to oversee the state.
In the broadcast, President Tinubu recalled past events in Rivers State, highlighting what he described as certain shortcomings on Fubara’s part. He mentioned that Fubara had demolished the House of Assembly complex in December 2023 and had not rebuilt it 14 months later.
However, Fubara countered these allegations in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi. He denied claims that he did nothing to dissuade militants from attacking oil installations, stating that he had repeatedly emphasized the need to protect oil pipelines and facilities in the state.
Fubara also attributed some developments in the state to a controversial comment made by Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister, about the Ijaws. He claimed that Wike’s supporters had stoked tension in the state, while his own loyalists had maintained calm.
Regarding the demolition of the House of Assembly complex, Fubara explained that he had acted based on professional advice and guidance. He stated that the new complex was nearly 80% complete.
Fubara’s administration has prioritized investment in upscaling the welfare and operational equipment of security agencies in the state. He has also emphasized his commitment to peace, security, and good governance in the state.
The suspended governor urged security agencies to focus on the real purveyors of violence and to critically evaluate incidents of violence in the state. He denied allegations that he had “telegraphed” attacks on oil pipelines, stating that he had always preached peace and non-violence
