Amidst rising political tensions in Rivers State, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly refuted claims linking him to militant groups.
He stated firmly that he has no ties to such organizations and cautioned against any attempts to use his name to justify acts of violence or economic disruption.
A statement, released on Monday in Port Harcourt by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, conveyed Fubara’s declaration.
The suspended Governor’s statement comes as a response to accusations circulating within the state.
In response to trending videos falsely claiming explosions at oil and gas installations in the state, Fubara labeled them ‘fake’ and ‘malicious,’ and requested security agencies to trace and punish those responsible for their dissemination.
The statement read, “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.
“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.”
He stressed his complete lack of affiliation with any militant organization, asserting his commitment to maintaining peace and economic stability, and his rejection of any criminal activity.
The statement added, “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.”
He also warned 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,” he said.