The Simplicity Movement, a sociopolitical group, has called upon the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into recent pipeline explosions within the state.
The group specifically highlighted the reported explosion on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bodo community, Gokana Local Government Area, demanding a detailed inquiry into the incident.
Simultaneously, the group refuted allegations that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had demolished and abandoned the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, labeling such claims as inaccurate.
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Sobomabo Jackrich, the National Leader of Simplicity Movement, addressed the recent developments. “We use this medium to express our deepest concern over the recent purported explosions at oil and gas installations across Rivers State,” Jackrich stated.
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He addressed the Bodo incident by stating, “While the truth has emerged from the operators of the Trans Niger Pipeline at Bodo community, proving that there were no such explosions in their facility, these incidents pose serious threats to lives, the environment, and the economic stability of our state.”
Jackrich urged decisive action. “We call on the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote causes of these purported explosions. If found to be acts of sabotage, the perpetrators must be identified and brought to justice to face the full weight of the law.”
Addressing the claims against Governor Fubara, Jackrich asserted, “We want to state unequivocally Mr. President was unfair to Governor Fubara or may not have been properly briefed before accusing him of demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex and making no effort to rebuild it.”
He clarified the situation regarding the Assembly complex. “This claim is false and was merely foisted to justify the declaration of a state of emergency. As the Sole Administrator has now confirmed for himself, Governor Siminalayi Fubara was already constructing a befitting and modern State Assembly Complex, which, according to the Chairman of the Rivers State Assembly Service Commission, Dr. Tamunosisi Jaja, was a response to repeated calls for a better facility.”
Jackrich provided further context, adding, “The project was over 80 percent completed before the declaration of the state of emergency. Work was progressing at a steady pace before the sudden imposition of the emergency rule. The assertion that the governor abandoned the Assembly Complex reconstruction is misleading and should be corrected.”
Despite disagreeing with the suspension of elected officials and the imposition of emergency rule, Jackrich expressed a willingness to cooperate with the Sole Administrator. “We strongly condemn and reject the unconstitutional suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. While the declaration of a state of emergency is a bitter pill to swallow, nonetheless, we are ready to support the Sole Administrator to deliver good governance to Rivers people.”
He emphasized the need for a swift return to democratic governance. “However, our support is hinged on the hope that democracy returns to the state as soon as possible and must not be sidelined for long. Rivers State must not be ruled indefinitely outside the constitution.”
Jackrich concluded with a call for unity and de-escalation. “We call on stakeholders, political actors, and well-meaning citizens of the state to desist from further heating up the polity. Let’s de-escalate tensions and work toward restoring democracy and the rule of law in the state.”
