According to a recent report by the Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was wrongly accused of security-related issues that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
President Bola Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday night, announced the emergency rule in Rivers State, citing concerns over a worsening political crisis. He accused Governor Fubara of demolishing the State House of Assembly building, which fueled tensions in the already divided political landscape.
Following the declaration, Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for six months. In their place, retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed as the Administrator to oversee the affairs of the state.
However, Tinubu’s decision has sparked controversy, with many Nigerians questioning the legality of the move. Critics argue that it undermines democracy and is driven by political motives rather than genuine security concerns.
The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group, in its newly released report, stated that Governor Fubara has no ties to militant groups involved in pipeline vandalism and other security threats in the state. The report, presented at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, described these allegations as “politically motivated fabrications” aimed at destabilizing his government.
The group said its investigation found no evidence linking the Rivers State government to known militant organizations. It further noted that communities where these alleged security breaches reportedly took place have denied such incidents, insisting that oil and gas facilities in their areas remain secure and fully operational.
The report also pointed to the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in escalating tensions. It stated that Wike’s public statements have worsened the crisis, fueling division rather than promoting peace in Rivers State.
To resolve the situation, the Coalition called for an immediate end to political hostilities, the withdrawal of security forces deployed in Rivers State, and an independent investigation into the allegations against Governor Fubara.
The report further stressed that the allegations against Fubara appear to be part of a broader pattern of political maneuvering in Nigeria. It warned that using false accusations to target political opponents threatens democracy and stability in the country.
“It is abundantly clear to us, and to the world that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no verifiable links to militant groups operating within Rivers State, or the Niger Delta at large.
“We are convinced that the allegations against him appear to be politically motivated, fueled by power struggles and deep-seated rivalries rather than grounded in any factual basis. This report has methodically dismantled the unfounded allegations against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, exposing them as politically motivated fabrications.
“The real instigators of instability in Rivers State are those who prioritize personal vendettas over public welfare. It is, therefore, imperative for all stakeholders, both within Nigeria and in the international community, to recognize the dangerous implications of weaponizing baseless accusations for political expediency.
“The attempt to malign Governor Fubara’s character through such claims is not only an attack on his personal integrity but also an affront to the democratic values that Nigeria professes to uphold.
“Moreover, the reckless statements made by Minister Nyesom Wike, which have exacerbated tensions in the region, must be condemned unequivocally. Public office holders bear an ethical and constitutional responsibility to foster national unity rather than stoke the flames of discord.
“The people of Rivers State deserve peace, stability, and development — not a manufactured crisis driven by political greed and ambition. As concerned citizens and defenders of democracy, we stand resolute in our support for truth and justice.
“Governor Fubara must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. His exoneration from these baseless allegations and false narratives is not just a defense of his personality, but a defense of democracy itself.
“Governor Fubara has consistently demonstrated his commitment to peace, security, and good governance. His call for the protection of vital oil installations and his transparent governance style stand in stark contrast to the baseless allegations that seek to tarnish his reputation.
“The security challenges in Rivers State are not of his making; rather, they are symptomatic of a broader historical struggle for equity and justice in the Niger Delta. The international community, civil society, and all lovers of democracy must stand strong behind Rivers State to save it from anarchy,” the Coalition said.
