Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended Governor of Rivers State, has sounded the alarm over the circulation of fake videos and reports claiming pipeline explosions in the state. He is urging security agencies to probe these false claims and bring the perpetrators to book.
A statement issued by Fubara’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, described the viral videos of alleged attacks on oil and gas facilities as “fabricated and malevolent”. Fubara emphasized his commitment to upholding peace and stability in the state, cautioning against attempts to spark chaos.
This development comes on the heels of a call by the Simplicity Movement, a sociopolitical group, for an investigation into recent reports of pipeline explosions in Rivers State. The group is particularly concerned about an alleged explosion at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, which was widely reported following a purported blaze at the facility.
In response to three pipeline explosions that occurred within two days, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, and suspended Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Odu, and lawmakers. These explosions were preceded by threats from militants to resume hostilities if Fubara was impeached by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly, which is loyal to former Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
To prevent the breakdown of law and order in the state, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator. Fubara has denied any links to militant groups or plans to associate with them, warning those who would use his name to incite violence or sabotage the economy to desist.
According to Fubara, “Our attention has been drawn once again to a flurry of malicious, fabricated, and imaginary videos claiming explosions on oil and gas facilities in Rivers State. Almost all these fake videos have been linked to alleged militant groups in the state, with their creators trying to tie them to my supporters.”
Fubara’s statement continued, “The communities where these incidents allegedly occurred have dismissed claims of explosions on oil and gas facilities, assuring that all critical government assets in their areas are safe and functioning efficiently. For clarity, I have no ties to any militant group, nor do I plan to, and I have no reason to encourage any criminal elements to take actions that could harm the peace, safety, or economy of the state or the Niger Delta.”
Fubara cautioned those spreading false information and warned against attempts to use his name to foment trouble, urging them to steer clear of the state.
Sobomabo Jackrich, National Leader of the Simplicity Movement, expressed concern over the denial of the Trans Niger Pipeline explosion by its operators during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday. “We are deeply concerned about the recent purported explosions at oil and gas installations across Rivers State. While the truth from the Trans Niger Pipeline operators at Bodo community confirms there were no explosions, these incidents pose serious threats to lives, the environment, and our state’s economic stability.”
The group called for a thorough investigation into the causes of these reported explosions, emphasizing that if found to be acts of sabotage, the perpetrators must face the full weight of the law. Jackrich also criticized the President’s comments on the demolished Rivers State House of Assembly complex, stating that Fubara was already constructing a new complex, which was over 80% complete before the state of emergency was declared.
Jackrich declared support for the sole administrator, conditioned on the restoration of democratic government in due time. He appealed to stakeholders to reduce tensions and work towards restoring democracy and the rule of law in the state.
