The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has denied any links to militant groups and warned against attempts to incite violence or sabotage critical infrastructure in his name.
In a statement issued on Monday in Port Harcourt by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor dismissed as “fake and malicious,” viral social media videos alleging explosions at oil and gas installations in the state.
He urged security agencies to investigate the origins of the videos and take decisive action against those spreading misinformation.
According to Fubara, local communities where the alleged incidents were said to have occurred have refuted the claim and assured that oil and gas facilities within their areas remain intact and fully operational.
The statement read: “Our attention has, once again, been drawn to a flurry of malicious, fake, and imaginary videos of purported explosions on oil and gas facilities in Rivers State.
“Virtually all these fake videos have been linked to alleged militant groups, with the creators of such content trying very hard to connect them to supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“Already, the communities concerned have responded, dismissing any claims of explosions and reassuring that critical government assets remain safe, secure, and efficiently functioning.”
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to peace and economic stability in the state.
He stressed that he has no affiliation with any militant group and would not support any criminal activity that threatens the state’s security.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no link to any militant group, does not contemplate any such association, and has no reason to encourage any criminal elements, whether in Rivers State or the Niger Delta, to engage in activities that could jeopardize peace or threaten national economic stability,” the statement affirmed.