Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called on security agencies to investigate and take action against individuals spreading false reports of pipeline explosions in the state.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara described the viral videos showing supposed attacks on oil and gas facilities as “fake and malicious,” warning that such misinformation could incite chaos.
Fubara reaffirmed his dedication to maintaining peace in Rivers State and cautioned against attempts to destabilize the region. His statement comes after a sociopolitical group, Simplicity Movement, urged the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), and security agencies to examine the reports of explosions.
The group specifically pointed to claims of an explosion at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area. Reports had circulated suggesting a section of the pipeline had gone up in flames, fueling concerns among residents. However, Fubara and local communities have dismissed these reports, insisting that no such incidents occurred.
The controversy follows President Bola Tinubu’s decision on March 18, 2025, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the State Assembly.
The emergency rule was imposed after three reported pipeline explosions within two days, which were linked to threats from militants vowing to resume attacks if Fubara was impeached by lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, who is now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Fubara, however, distanced himself from any militant activities, stating he has no connection with such groups and would never encourage actions that threaten the state’s peace or national economic stability. He also urged those attempting to use his name to justify violence or sabotage to stop immediately.
In his statement, he noted:
“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 further warned against using social media to spread falsehoods and create panic, urging security agencies to take note of such deceptive content and act against those responsible.
Meanwhile, the National Leader of the Simplicity Movement, Sobomabo Jackrich, voiced concern over the alleged explosions, emphasizing the potential dangers they pose to lives, the environment, and the economy. He called for a thorough investigation into the matter, stating that if sabotage was involved, the perpetrators should face justice.
Jackrich also addressed President Tinubu’s stance on the demolished Rivers State House of Assembly complex, arguing that Fubara had already begun constructing a modern facility before the state of emergency was declared. He said:
“As the Sole Administrator has now confirmed for himself, Governor Fubara was already constructing a befitting and modern state Assembly complex, which according to the chairman of the Rivers State Assembly Service Commission, Dr Tamunosisi Gogo Jaja, was a response to calls for better facilities. The complex is over 80 per cent complete before the declaration of state of emergency.”
Jackrich reassured that his group supports the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas, as long as the democratic process is restored in due time. He urged politicians and citizens to avoid escalating tensions and focus on bringing stability back to the state.
“We call on stakeholders, political actors, and well-meaning citizens of the state to desist from further heating the polity. Let’s de-escalate tensions and work toward restoring democracy and the rule of law in the state,” he pleaded.
