Anita Ogona
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has firmly denied a viral social media report claiming he ordered the suspension of all oil operations in Rivers State. This false information circulated widely, suggesting the Governor’s decision to halt oil activities was in response to recent financial challenges affecting the state.
On Wednesday, a federal high court in Abuja, presided over by Judge Joyce Abdulmalik, directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to cease financial allocations to the Rivers State government. This order was based on a case brought forward by the Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Martins Amaewhule. The court ruled that until a lawful appropriation act is passed by a properly constituted house of assembly, no funds from the federation account should be disbursed to the state.
In response to the court’s ruling, a post began circulating on social media claiming: “Breaking News: Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara Shuts Down NNPC and All Oil Companies in Rivers State, Declares ‘No Allocation for Rivers State, No Oil for Nigeria.’” The message alleged that Governor Fubara had boldly ordered the shutdown of all oil companies in the state, causing Nigeria’s global oil production ranking to plummet. It further claimed that the Governor directly challenged Minister Nyesom Wike and President Bola Tinubu to act, warning of national consequences.
However, in a statement to TheCable, Governor Fubara dismissed the post as false. He emphasized, “We believe in the rule of law, and we have filed an appeal against the high court ruling. We will see this to a logical conclusion and believe that justice will be served. I urge Nigerians to ignore the fake report that I ordered an oil shutdown in the state.”
Governor Fubara’s stance reiterates his commitment to due process, reassuring the public that Rivers State remains focused on legal avenues to address the recent court directive. He called on citizens to disregard the misleading reports and assured that his administration will continue to prioritize the state’s interests within the framework of the law.
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