Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Tuesday, raised concerns over the spread of false reports about pipeline explosions in the state, urging security agencies to investigate and apprehend those responsible for the misinformation.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara described viral videos alleging attacks on oil and gas facilities as “fake and malicious,” warning that such deceptive content could incite unnecessary panic and destabilize the state.
“The communities where these alleged incidents supposedly occurred have dismissed the claims, affirming that no such explosions took place and that all critical government assets remain safe and fully operational,” the statement read.
Fubara’s statement comes amid growing concerns over security in Rivers State, following calls by the sociopolitical group, Simplicity Movement, for a thorough investigation into the alleged explosion at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area.
The group urged the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), along with security agencies, to probe the widely circulated reports that a section of the pipeline had been engulfed in flames.
The controversy follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, which led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the state’s lawmakers.
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The move came after three reported pipeline explosions in two days, amid threats by militants to resume hostilities should Fubara be impeached by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly, which remains loyal to former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In response, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas as the sole administrator to forestall further unrest.
Amid the rising tensions, Fubara strongly refuted any association with militant groups and denounced any attempts to link him to acts of economic sabotage.
“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 to engage in activities detrimental to the peace and security of Rivers State or the country’s economy,” the statement emphasized.
He also cautioned individuals attempting to use his name to justify violence, warning against capitalizing on the state’s political crisis to create disorder.
The suspended governor did not hold back in his criticism of bloggers and social media users who, he alleged, were fueling panic through misinformation.
“It is important to warn bloggers and social media hirelings to desist from creating an atmosphere of tension, chaos, and anarchy in Rivers State,” the statement continued. “Their fake reports and misleading posts over the past few days have already influenced wrong decisions that do not serve the state’s best interests.”
Fubara called on security agencies to act swiftly in identifying and holding accountable those responsible for spreading false information.
“Security agencies should take note of these fabricated videos meant to mislead the public and tarnish the state’s image. Every necessary step must be taken to contain this disinformation and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement concluded.
