PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended Governor of Rivers State, has denied allegations that his principal played any role in the recent attacks on oil installations in the state.
The statement, issued on Thursday, March 20, 2025, comes amid escalating political tensions and a state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.
In recent days, oil facilities in Rivers State have been targeted in attacks linked to the ongoing political crisis.
Chukwudi refuted claims that Governor Fubara failed to dissuade criminal groups and militants from carrying out the attacks, describing such narratives as “false” and “misleading.”
“It has become imperative to set the records straight and correct the erroneous impression such narratives are creating in the minds of the Nigerian people,” Chukwudi said in the statement.
“First, it is important to clarify that Governor Fubara has nothing to do with the threats by militants and also did not in any way ‘telegraph’ the reported attacks on any oil facility in the State.”
The statement attributed the unrest to remarks made by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State.
During a live media interview, Wike reportedly dismissed the Ijaw ethnic group as a “minority of the minorities” and questioned their influence in the Niger Delta.
“Most of the Ijaw groups and leaders even demanded an apology from the FCT Minister, which he rebuffed,” Chukwudi said.
He added that the reaction from stakeholders, including elders, chiefs, women, and youth groups, was triggered by Wike’s comments.
Chukwudi also highlighted Governor Fubara’s commitment to protecting oil installations, citing his role as a member of the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations in the Niger Delta.
“Governor Fubara, on several occasions and at every forum, made it clear that his administration was committed to the peace, security, and safety of oil facilities in the State,” the statement read.
Demolition of Rivers Assembly Complex
The statement also addressed the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, which President Tinubu cited as a reason for suspending Fubara. Chukwudi claimed that the President was not adequately informed about the circumstances surrounding the demolition.
“Let it be clarified that the former Governor and now FCT Minister repeatedly criticized the dilapidated and leaking Assembly Complex,” Chukwudi said. He added that the complex is currently being rebuilt and is 80 percent complete.
