Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The suspended governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has refuted the accusations that he neglected to stop militant threats and assaults on oil facilities within the state. He asserted that these statements were deceptive and founded on incorrect information.
When President Bola Tinubu announced a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Fubara along with his deputy last Tuesday, he criticized the suspended governor for failing to implement measures againstpipeline vandalism within the state.
"Some militants had warned of fire and brimstone against what they see as their enemy: the governor, who until now hasn’t distanced himself from them," President Tinubu stated.
In response, the suspended governor issued a statement via his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, asserting that the administration highlighted how Fubara has consistently placed emphasis on maintaining peace, ensuring security, and safeguarding crucial oil facilities within the state.
The statement indicated that Governor Fubara had no involvement in the militant threats and did not in any way 'signal' the alleged assaults on any oil facilities within the state.
He went on to explain that the negative reaction from stakeholders in the Niger Delta region, such as the Ijaw National Congress, various youth organizations, and militant groups, stemmed from remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. In an online media discussion, Wike reportedly belittled the Ijaw community as a minor political entity, suggesting that others could also potentially sabotage oil pipelines besides them.
"Many Ijaw communities and their leaders called for an apology from the FCT Minister, but he rejected it," the statement said.
Fubara insisted that he has continually promoted the safeguarding of oil infrastructure. "In all forums, such as during the transfer of the AW139 Helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, the governor reiterated his administration's dedication to protecting oil assets and ensuring stability within the state."
He emphasized Fubara's role in enhancing security through investments in resources, accommodations, and operational backing for the armed forces, the Nigerian Navy, as well as various other security organizations.
"Upon taking office, Governor Fubara supplied security agencies with gunboats, helicopters, and vehicles to ensure they possess the required equipment for safeguarding the state," the statement highlighted, noting further that these initiatives have resulted in higher levels of oil production and revenue generation.
In response to allegations that the governor randomly destroyed the Rivers State House of Assembly complex without reconstructing it, Chukwudi clarified that the choice was made following professional advice.
"It should be pointed out that following the events of October 29, 2023, and after receiving expert assessments, the government opted to address the longstanding requests from legislators by reconstructing the Assembly Complex. This rebuilding effort is currently about 80 percent complete," he said.
He additionally cited previous statements by Wike, who, during his tenure as governor, had condemned the deplorable state of the Assembly building yet declined to have it refurbished.
The government similarly charged the followers of the FCT Minister with instigating violent assaults across various local government regions and trying to pin these incidents on Governor Fubara’s administration.
Chukwudi claimed that supporters of the FCT Minister launched violent attacks and destroyed buildings in certain local government offices following what was considered the calmest local government elections ever held in the state on October 5, 2024.
He encouraged the security agencies to concentrate on "the actual instigators of violence" and carry out comprehensive inquiries to pinpoint those accountable for previous disruptions.
The statement dismissed assertions connecting the governor to acts of violence or tampering with oil pipelines, stating conclusively: "It is evidently false that an individual advocating for peace and nonviolence consistently, even when faced with significant provocations, would 'signal assaults on oil pipelines.'"
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