Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has dismissed viral reports of pipeline explosions in the state, describing them as fake and malicious attempts to incite unrest.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara urged security agencies to investigate and take action against those spreading misinformation. He emphasized his commitment to maintaining peace and denied any links to militant groups or acts of economic sabotage.
His remarks follow calls from the Simplicity Movement, a sociopolitical group, urging the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), to probe recent reports of an explosion at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area. The group noted that operators of the facility have denied any such incident.
Fubara also warned against using his name to justify violence, urging security agencies to clamp down on those responsible for circulating fake videos and reports. He cautioned social media users against creating unnecessary tension in the state.
Meanwhile, Simplicity Movement leader Sobomabo Jackrich expressed concern over the alleged pipeline explosions and called for a thorough investigation. He also defended Fubara’s efforts in reconstructing the state Assembly complex before the imposition of emergency rule, urging for a return to democratic governance.