A report by the Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group has debunked allegations linking Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to security breaches and militant activities, describing them as politically motivated fabrications.
The report comes in response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, citing political unrest and the demolition of the State House of Assembly complex as justification. Following the declaration, Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for six months, while Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed as Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group, in a press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday, dismissed the claims against Fubara, emphasizing that its investigations found no evidence linking the governor to militant groups accused of pipeline vandalism and security disturbances. The report further revealed that local communities had refuted claims of insecurity, confirming that oil and gas facilities remain secure and operational.
The coalition attributed the crisis to political rivalries, singling out Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as a key figure in escalating tensions. It accused Wike of making inflammatory remarks that have worsened the political standoff in the state.
“It is abundantly clear that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no verifiable links to militant groups in Rivers State or the Niger Delta at large. The allegations against him appear to be politically driven, fueled by power struggles rather than grounded in fact,” the report stated.
The coalition also condemned the deployment of security forces in Rivers State, calling for their immediate withdrawal and the launch of independent investigations into the accusations.
Urging an end to the political crisis, the coalition emphasized the need to safeguard democratic principles and prevent Rivers State from plunging into chaos.
“The reckless statements made by Minister Nyesom Wike, which have worsened tensions, must be condemned unequivocally. Public office holders have a responsibility to foster national unity rather than stoke discord,” the report stated.
The coalition stressed that Governor Fubara should not be sacrificed for political expediency, warning that manipulating baseless accusations to settle political scores is a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
“As defenders of democracy, we stand resolute in our support for truth and justice. The people of Rivers State deserve peace, stability, and development—not a manufactured crisis driven by political ambition.”
The report called on the international community, civil society organizations, and democratic stakeholders to intervene and ensure that Rivers State is not plunged into further instability.
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