Fubara Counters Tinubu, Blames Wike for Oil Pipeline Attacks in Rivers State
Rivers State’s suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vehemently denied President Bola Tinubu’s accusations of failing to prevent oil pipeline attacks, instead pointing fingers at FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for inciting the violence. Amid escalating political tensions, Fubara refuted claims of breaching Supreme Court orders and defended his administration’s actions, including the demolition and ongoing reconstruction of the state assembly complex.
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, citing “disturbing incidents” such as explosions and vandalism of petroleum pipelines. He suspended Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all House of Assembly members for six months, accusing the governor of failing to secure the state and ignoring a Supreme Court judgment.
However, Fubara hit back, denying any involvement in the oil pipeline attacks and rejecting claims that he “telegraphing” militants to carry out the assaults. He suggested that Wike’s recent comments about the Ijaw people being a “minority” in Rivers State had sparked outrage among Niger Delta leaders and groups, leading to the violence.
Fubara also addressed the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, stating that it was based on professional advice. He revealed that the new complex is nearly 80% complete, countering Tinubu’s claims that the structure had not been rebuilt.
The suspended governor further accused Wike’s supporters of launching violent attacks on local government council secretariats during the October 5, 2024, council elections. He claimed these attacks were carried out without retaliation from his own supporters, further implicating Wike’s camp in the ongoing unrest.
As the political feud escalates, Rivers State remains on edge, with security agencies now under pressure to investigate the claims and restore order.
Stay tuned to DGR8Z NEWS for more updates on this developing story.