HURIWA Slams Fagbemi, Onanuga Over Unverified Allegations Against Fubara

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned recent allegations made by top federal officials linking Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to militant activities in the Niger Delta, describing the claims as baseless and politically motivated.

In a statement issued on Monday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, faulted accusations from Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, insisting that the claims lacked credible evidence.

“These are serious allegations that can destabilize not only Rivers State but the entire Niger Delta, yet no concrete evidence has been made public to substantiate them,”Onwubiko said.

The controversy erupted after the AGF accused Governor Fubara of allegedly orchestrating attacks on oil infrastructure through militant proxies—a claim that has since drawn widespread criticism. Onanuga, in a separate opinion piece, defended the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing intelligence reports that purportedly linked the governor to security threats.

However, HURIWA dismissed the assertions, accusing the federal officials of engaging in “rumour-based governance” rather than relying on verified intelligence. The group challenged the AGF and Onanuga to present hard facts rather than fueling tensions with speculative claims.

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“It is disgraceful that at a time when Nigerians are yearning for stability and good governance, top officials of the federal government are busy engaging in baseless accusations, further tarnishing Nigeria’s image before the international community,” the statement read.

HURIWA argued that Governor Fubara consistently demonstrated a commitment to peace and governance, citing his recent public statements denying any ties to militant groups. The governor also dismissed viral videos alleging explosions on oil and gas facilities in Rivers State as “fake and malicious,” urging security agencies to investigate their origins.

The rights group echoed this call, demanding a transparent forensic investigation into the allegations and incidents in Rivers State. It insisted that such an investigation must be free of political manipulation to ensure that the actual culprits—if any—are identified.

Beyond the allegations, HURIWA criticised the federal government’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as “unconstitutional, unnecessary, and politically motivated.” The group argued that no clear evidence of a war-like situation or complete breakdown of law and order—conditions required under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution—had been demonstrated.

“The AGF and other federal agents must be reminded that the Supreme Court judgment, which is now being used to justify executive overreach in Rivers State, does not license rumour-based governance,” HURIWA stated.

In response to the ongoing political tension, HURIWA urged Governor Fubara to consider legal action against those making unsubstantiated allegations against him. While acknowledging concerns about the judiciary’s independence, the rights group emphasized the importance of setting the record straight through legal channels.

“The dangerous game of labeling peaceful citizens as militants without evidence is not only reckless but risks plunging Rivers State into avoidable chaos. Nigeria’s democracy deserves better,” the group concluded.