Suspended Rivers State Governor, Similanayi Fubara, has hit back at President Bola Tinubu’s allegations, calling them “politically motivated” and exposing what he described as Nyesom Wike’s role in orchestrating the state’s crisis.
Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspended Fubara and the State House of Assembly, and appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the sole administrator. But in a fiery response, Fubara, through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, rejected the allegations and set the record straight.
“Wike’s Reckless Comments Triggered the Unrest”
Fubara dismissed claims linking him to militant threats or sabotage of oil facilities, blaming tensions on Wike’s inflammatory remarks about the Ijaw people.
“It is a matter of public record that the reaction of stakeholders in the Niger Delta, including elders, chiefs, women, and the Ijaw National Congress (INC), was triggered by Wike’s statements during a live media chat,” the statement read.
According to Fubara, Wike dismissed the Ijaws as a “minority of the minorities” with no real political influence, suggesting that they were not the only ones capable of attacking oil installations. The remarks sparked widespread outrage, with Ijaw leaders demanding an apology, which Wike ignored.
“State Assembly Complex Was Not Abandoned”
Fubara debunked claims that the Rivers State House of Assembly complex was left in ruins after its demolition. He stated that the project was already 80% completed before Tinubu’s emergency declaration.
“The reconstruction of the Rivers Assembly complex was in full swing, nearing completion. The claim that it was abandoned is a deliberate falsehood,” he said.
“I Have Always Defended Rivers, Not Sabotaged It”
The suspended governor reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state. He pointed to his past role in the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations, emphasizing his stance against economic sabotage.
“I have always advocated for the protection of vital oil infrastructure. Any attempt to link me to acts of sabotage is nothing more than a political smear campaign,” Fubara asserted.
The Battle for Rivers: A Political Power Play?
The power struggle in Rivers State has intensified, with analysts suggesting Tinubu’s intervention favors Wike, who has been in a long-standing feud with his successor. The crisis has deepened political divisions, and Fubara’s latest counterattack signals that the battle is far from over.
With both sides digging in, the coming days will determine whether Rivers remains a battleground or finds a path to stability.
