The suspended Rivers State governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has denied having links with militant groups allegedly sworn to cause terror over the emergency rule currently in place in the state.
This denial was contained in a statement released on Monday by Fubara’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi. The statement also dismissed claims of attacks on oil and gas facilities in certain Rivers communities.
“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,” the statement said.
The statement emphasised that Fubara had no reason to encourage criminal groups in Rivers State.
It said, “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 statement said Fubara was ready to pay any price for peace while warning those instigating violence in his name to stop it.
“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.
“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 capitalize on the present political crisis to foment trouble in the State,” the statement said.
The statement also warned bloggers and social media influencers against spreading misinformation that could escalate tensions.
“It is also important to warn bloggers and social media hirelings to stop, forthwith, their campaign to create an atmosphere of tension, chaos, and anarchy in the State, as their fake reports and posts in the last couple of days have triggered enough wrong decisions that would not help the State move forward.
“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.”
