Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged residents to remain calm following his suspension by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement personally signed by him, Fubara assured that efforts would be made to engage relevant institutions to uphold democracy and ensure the state’s stability.
In the statement titled “Press Release by the Executive Governor of Rivers State,” Fubara blamed the Rivers State House of Assembly members loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for frustrating his efforts to comply with the Supreme Court’s verdict.
Fubara’s Statement
Addressing the people of Rivers State, Fubara expressed his commitment to governance despite the political crisis.
“Since assuming office as your governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a deep sense of duty. We have prioritized the protection of lives and property while ensuring the continuous progress of our dear state,” he stated.
He explained that his administration had acted in good faith following President Tinubu’s intervention, including reinstating commissioners who had resigned and implementing the Supreme Court’s ruling to restore normalcy.
“Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, making genuine peace and progress difficult,” Fubara lamented.
He reassured Rivers residents that despite political disagreements, governance had not been compromised, salaries had been paid, and critical projects were ongoing.
“At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.”
Twin Pipeline Explosions Heighten Tensions
Meanwhile, between late Monday and Tuesday, two explosions rocked oil pipelines in Rivers State, adding to the escalating tensions.
The first blast occurred on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bodo Community, Gokana Local Government Area. The TNP, a key federal oil transport line, supplies crude to the Bonny Export Terminal. The explosion happened near the ongoing Bodo-Bonny Road construction project.
A second explosion was reported on Tuesday morning at a pipeline manifold in Omwawriwa, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area. The affected pipeline is a federal crude transport line to Brass, Bayelsa State.
While some community sources attributed the incidents to illegal bunkering, authorities have not ruled out sabotage, particularly as the crisis between Fubara and lawmakers loyal to Wike intensifies.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incidents, revealing that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the explosions.
A statement by the police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, read:
“During a routine night patrol, security operatives observed the incident and promptly alerted Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which initiated necessary safety protocols, including shutting down the affected pipeline. As a result of swift intervention, the situation is now under control, and there is no further threat to residents or the environment.”
The police assured the public that a thorough investigation had commenced to determine the cause of the explosions and any possible links to the ongoing political unrest.
Political Crisis Escalates
The crisis in Rivers State continues to escalate, with Governor Fubara locked in a power struggle with 27 lawmakers aligned with Wike. The recent move by the state assembly to serve a notice of misconduct against Fubara is widely seen as a step toward his impeachment.
Meanwhile, protests erupted on the East-West Road as youths expressed frustration over the deepening political turmoil.
As tensions mount, all eyes remain on Rivers State, where the coming days will determine the fate of its political leadership and stability.
