Governor Fubara Cleared of Security Allegations in Rivers State Crisis

A report by the Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group has dismissed claims that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was linked to security threats that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

President Bola Tinubu had, in a nationwide broadcast, declared the emergency rule in Rivers, citing political instability and the alleged demolition of the State House of Assembly building by Fubara. The President also suspended the governor, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the state’s Administrator.

The decision has faced widespread criticism, with many Nigerians questioning its legality. However, the Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group, in a report released at a press conference in Abuja, argued that accusations of Fubara’s ties to militant groups were politically motivated fabrications aimed at destabilizing his administration.

The report found no evidence linking the governor to militant groups responsible for pipeline vandalism or security breaches. Investigations also revealed no financial transactions or operational connections between the Rivers State government and known militant factions.

The Coalition further pointed to the role of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, in escalating tensions in Rivers through his controversial remarks. The group called for an immediate end to political hostilities, the withdrawal of security forces unlawfully deployed to Rivers, and an independent investigation into the allegations.

“The attempt to malign Governor Fubara’s character through such claims is not only an attack on his personal integrity but also an affront to the democratic values that Nigeria professes to uphold,” the report stated.

It also condemned Wike’s rhetoric, urging public officials to promote national unity rather than fuel political crises. The Coalition insisted that Rivers State deserves peace and stability, not a politically driven crisis born out of power struggles.

The report concluded by urging Nigerians and the international community to support Governor Fubara and prevent what it described as an attack on democracy.