Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has raised concerns over the spread of false reports on alleged pipeline explosions in the state, urging security agencies to investigate and take action against those behind the misinformation.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara dismissed viral videos of supposed attacks on oil and gas facilities as “fake and malicious,” warning against attempts to incite unrest.
This comes as a socio-political group, Simplicity Movement, called on the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), and security agencies to probe the reported explosion at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area.
The reports gained traction following President Bola Tinubu’s March 18, 2025, declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the state lawmakers.
The decision came after three explosions on oil pipelines were recorded within two days, amid threats by militants to resume hostilities if Fubara was impeached by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly, which is loyal to former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Fubara, distancing himself from any militant activities, condemned attempts to use his name to justify acts of violence or economic sabotage.
He urged security agencies to investigate the fake videos and hold the culprits accountable.
“Our attention has, once again, been drawn to a flurry of malicious, fake and imaginary videos of purported explosions on oil and gas facilities in Rivers State,” the statement read.
“Virtually all the fake videos have been linked to alleged militant groups, with the creators of such content trying to connect them to supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Already, communities where these incidents were alleged to have occurred have denied any explosions and assured that all government assets in their areas remain secure and fully operational.”
The suspended governor also warned against social media misinformation, stating that such fabricated reports were fueling unnecessary panic and could lead to damaging consequences for the state.
“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 cautioned. “Security agencies should take note of these fake videos and bring those behind them to book.”
Meanwhile, the National Leader of Simplicity Movement, Sobomabo Jackrich, noted at a press briefing in Port Harcourt that the denial of any explosion by the operators of the Trans Niger Pipeline raised concerns about the motives behind the false reports.
Jackrich also defended Fubara over claims that he abandoned the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, which was demolished amid the political crisis. He asserted that the governor had begun constructing a modern legislative complex before the emergency rule was imposed.
“As the Sole Administrator has now confirmed for himself, Governor Fubara was already constructing a befitting and modern state Assembly complex, which was over 80 per cent complete before the declaration of emergency,” Jackrich stated.
While expressing conditional support for the sole administrator, he called for a swift return to democratic governance.
“We call on stakeholders, political actors, and well-meaning citizens to de-escalate tensions and work toward restoring democracy and the rule of law in Rivers State,” he urged.
