By Ghazali Ibrahim 
Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued a strong statement denying any links to militant groups and warning against attempts to incite violence or economic sabotage in his name.
The governor’s statement, released on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, in Port Harcourt, the state capital, was in response to trending videos alleging explosions at oil and gas installations in the state.
Fubara described the videos as “fake” and “malicious,” urging security agencies to investigate the sources of the videos and take action against those responsible.
“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,” the statement read.
“Virtually all the fake videos have been linked to alleged militant groups in the state, with the creators of such content trying very hard to connect them to supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.”
The governor emphasized that he has no affiliation with any militant group and would not encourage any criminal activity that could threaten peace or economic stability.
“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 group or elements, anywhere in the state or Niger Delta, to undertake any action inimical to the peace of the people or safety and security of oil and gas facilities, and by extension, the economy of the country.”
Fubara also warned purveyors of violence and economic sabotage to steer clear of the state and avoid using his name to foment trouble.
“Governor Fubara vehemently warns purveyors of violence and economic sabotage to steer clear of the state and avoid any attempt to use his name or capitalise on the present political crisis to foment trouble in the state.”
Furthermore, the governor cautioned those spreading falsehoods online to desist, accusing them of trying to create chaos in the state.
“Security agencies should take note of these fake videos designed to misinform the people, and further paint the state in bad light, and take every necessary step to contain them, and bring those behind them to book.”
The statement also highlighted that communities where the incidents were alleged to have occurred have dismissed any claims of explosions, reassuring that all critical government assets within their areas are safe, secure, and efficiently functioning.
“Already, the communities where these incidents are alleged to have occurred have reacted, dismissing any claims of explosions on oil and gas facilities in their domains, and reassuring that all critical government assets within their areas are safe, secure and efficiently functioning.”
Fubara’s statement reiterated his commitment to peace and stability in the state, emphasizing that he would pay any price to secure and sustain peace in Rivers State.
