I have no link to militant groups, says Fubara

Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers, says he has no connection to any militant group.

There have been allegations that Fubara has ties to a militant group responsible for recent pipeline explosions and attacks on oil facilities in Rivers.

In the past few days, oil installations have been targeted in Rivers as a political crisis festers in the south-south state.

In a statement on Monday, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor’s chief press secretary (CPS), said Fubara will not support any criminal activity in Rivers or the Niger Delta.

He added that the creators of some fake videos have falsely linked them to alleged militant groups and are desperately trying to associate them with Fubara’s supporters.

The governor asked 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 reads.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“The governor had repeatedly made it clear at every public event that the peace of the state is paramount to him, and that he would pay any price to secure and sustain peace in the state, as it is only in an atmosphere of peace and security that governance and development can thrive.

“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.”

Last week, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers state, citing the protracted political crisis.

The president suspended Fubara, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and all house of assembly members, for six months.

Tinubu also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator for Rivers.

Subsequently, the senate and the house of representatives controversially approved Tinubu’s request for emergency rule in the south-south state.