Rivers Crisis: “I Have No Link to Any Militant Group” — Fubara Denies Allegations

Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has firmly denied any connection to militant groups accused of recent attacks on oil facilities in the state. The clarification comes amid a deepening political crisis in the Niger Delta region, which has seen a series of pipeline explosions and sabotage of oil infrastructure.

In a statement issued Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara said he has no ties to any militant organisation and condemned the circulation of fake videos falsely linking him to such groups. He emphasized that he neither supports nor encourages any form of criminal activity in Rivers State or the wider Niger Delta.

According to Chukwudi, several communities allegedly affected by the supposed attacks have dismissed the claims, confirming that no such incidents occurred and that oil and gas facilities in their areas remain secure and operational.

The statement criticized what it described as a coordinated campaign of misinformation aimed at associating Fubara and his supporters with violence, warning that such tactics are dangerous and unfounded. Fubara called on security agencies to investigate the origin of the fake videos and bring those responsible to justice.

“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,” the statement read. It also reiterated Fubara’s commitment to peace and stability in the state, asserting that he is willing to make sacrifices to maintain law and order.

Fubara warned those attempting to exploit the current political turmoil to incite violence to desist, adding that any attempt to use his name to disrupt peace would not be tolerated.

The statement follows a major political development last week, in which President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state house of assembly for six months. Tinubu appointed retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator of the state, a move that was swiftly ratified by both chambers of the National Assembly.