Suspended Rivers State governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has distanced himself from militant groups allegedly threatening the federal government over the ongoing political crisis in the state.
Fubara, in a statement released on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, expressed concerns over attempts to link him to militant activities. He dismissed claims of attacks on oil and gas facilities, noting that affected communities had already debunked such reports.
“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,” the statement read.
It further emphasised that local communities had reassured authorities of the safety of vital government assets in thier domains.
“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 added.
Fubara categorically denied any affiliations with militant groups, affirming his commitment to peace and stability in Rivers State and the Niger Delta region.
“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 continued.
Reaffirming his dedication to maintaining peace, Fubara stressed that governance and development could only thrive in a stable environment.
“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,” the statement noted.
Fubara also issued a stern warning against any attacks on government infrastructure and urged criminal elements to desist from using his name to instigate violence.
“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 warned.
Additionally, he called out bloggers and social media influencers for allegedly 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,” he added.
Fubara urged security agencies to take swift action against the circulation of misleading videos aimed at tarnishing the state’s image.
“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 stated.
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