Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers, claims no affiliation with any militant group.
There are suspicions that Fubara is linked to a militant organisation responsible for recent pipeline explosions and attacks on oil infrastructure in Rivers.
Oil installations in Rivers have been attacked in recent days as the state’s political crisis worsens.
In a statement issued Monday, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor’s chief press secretary (CPS), stated that Fubara will not encourage any criminal activity in Rivers or the Niger Delta.
He further stated that the authors of some phoney movies have fraudulently linked them to suspected militant groups and are urgently attempting to associate them with Fubara’s fans.
Fubara asked security agencies to investigate the sources of the videos and take action against those responsible.
“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 reads.
“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.
“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.
“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 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, as it is only in an atmosphere of peace and security that governance and development can thrive.
“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 capitalise on the present political crisis to foment trouble in the state.”
Last Monday, President Bola Tinubu announced a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the ongoing political instability.
The president suspended Fubara, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and all members of the House of Assembly for six months.
Tinubu also nominated retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Rivers’ sole administrator.
The senate and house of representatives then controversially granted Tinubu’s request for emergency rule in the south-south state.