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Fubara Erroneously Implicated in Pre-State of Emergency Proclamation Security Issues – Coalition’s Report
The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group says Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State was erroneously implicated in security issues that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
The group, in a comprehensive report on the crisis in Rivers, also cleared Fubara of allegations linking him to militant groups responsible for pipeline vandalism and security breaches in the state.
The report, which was made available to journalists in a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, thoroughly debunked claims that Fubara has ties to militant factions, describing the allegations as “politically motivated fabrications” designed to destabilise his administration.
The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group’s investigation revealed no evidence of financial transactions or operational links between the state government and known militant factions.
According to the report, the allegations against Governor Fubara are part of a broader pattern of democratic subversion in Nigeria’s volatile political landscape.
The report points to the role of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in fueling tensions in Rivers State through his inflammatory remarks.
The Coalition, in the report, recommends the immediate cessation of political hostilities, the withdrawal of security forces unlawfully deployed in Rivers State, and the initiation of independent investigations into allegations of militancy.
The report also notes that communities, where the alleged incidents were reported, have come forward to refute the claims, assuring the public that oil and gas facilities in their areas remain secure and operational.
The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group’s report concludes that the allegations against Governor Fubara appear to be politically motivated fabrications.
The report added: “It is abundantly clear to us, and to the world that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no verifiable links to militant groups operating within Rivers State, or the Niger Delta at large.
“We are convinced that the allegations against him appear to be politically motivated, fueled by power struggles and deep-seated rivalries rather than grounded in any factual basis. This report has methodically dismantled the unfounded allegations against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, exposing them as politically motivated fabrications.
“The real instigators of instability in Rivers State are those who prioritize personal vendettas over public welfare. It is, therefore, imperative for all stakeholders, both within Nigeria and in the international community, to recognize the dangerous implications of weaponizing baseless accusations for political expediency.
“The attempt to malign Governor Fubara’s character through such claims is not only an attack on his personal integrity but also an affront to the democratic values that Nigeria professes to uphold.
“Moreover, the reckless statements made by Minister Nyesom Wike, which have exacerbated tensions in the region, must be condemned unequivocally. Public officeholders bear an ethical and constitutional responsibility to foster national unity rather than stoke the flames of discord.
“The people of Rivers State deserve peace, stability, and development—not a manufactured crisis driven by political greed and ambition. As concerned citizens and defenders of democracy, we stand resolute in our support for truth and justice.
“Governor Fubara must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. His exoneration from these baseless allegations and false narratives is not just a defense of his personality, but a defense of democracy itself.
“Governor Fubara has consistently demonstrated his commitment to peace, security, and good governance. His call for the protection of vital oil installations and his transparent governance style stand in stark contrast to the baseless allegations that seek to tarnish his reputation.
“The security challenges in Rivers State are not of his making; rather, they are symptomatic of a broader historical struggle for equity and justice in the Niger Delta. The international community, civil society, and all lovers of democracy must stand strong behind Rivers State to save it from anarchy.”
In a sweeping decision that has sparked both political debate and public interest, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed three high-profile members of his cabinet. The affected Ministers, include Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Minister of Defence; Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence; and Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power. The decision was formally announced by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
According to Onanuga’s statement, the removal of the two Defence ministers was primarily motivated by their inability to curb the growing insecurity and frequent killings plaguing various regions of Nigeria. Likewise, the Minister of Power was dismissed for failing to deliver tangible improvements in the country’s electricity supply after nearly two years in office.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced plans to establish a centralised system for the authentication and verification of all travel documents in Nigeria.
He made this known during a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday with the United Kingdom’s Minister of State, David Hanson.
In the company of Hanson were delegates from the UK Home Office, National Crime Agency, and the British High Commission.
According to Tunji-Ojo, the initiative aims to tackle immigration and document fraud, particularly those associated with border control.
“We discovered that one of the key drivers of rising document fraud is the absence of a centralised, real-time verification system,” he said.
“Currently, if someone submits 20 documents, you may need to contact 20 different issuing agencies to verify them. That breeds inefficiency.”
He explained that the proposed system would allow real-time verification of all documents—such as bank statements, passports, and certificates—at a single centre.
The minister also said Nigeria was ready to take the lead in formulating a regional strategy for border control, noting that regional differences required customised approaches.
“To tackle a heterogeneous problem with a homogeneous approach will not work,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
“That’s why we’re planning a regional border conference to allow for the development of unified yet adaptable strategies to combat migration and border-related challenges.”
He further disclosed that Nigeria’s EU visa solution platform would go live on May 1.
According to him, this will allow for more efficient processing and international cooperation while safeguarding national security and promoting investment.
“We now have a policy that ensures a response—approval or rejection—within 24 to 48 hours of applying for an EU visa,” he said.
Speaking on President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, Tunji-Ojo emphasised the administration’s commitment to preventing corruption rather than merely reacting to it.
“Our performance will be judged not by the number of convictions or recoveries but by how many crimes or frauds we prevent,” he said.
In his remarks, Hanson expressed the UK’s readiness to continue collaborating with Nigeria to improve criminal justice outcomes.
Hanson noted that the UK was reviewing its e-visa system and migration policies while exploring ways to expand trade, business, and skills development opportunities with Nigeria.
“My colleagues at the High Commission are eager to maintain strong engagement with the Nigerian government,” he said
According to him, the UK looks forward to enhancing cooperation in tackling crime and fraud.
“You can rest assured that the National Crime Agency, the High Commission, and the Home Office are ready to extend a hand of partnership,” he said.
….Says Atiku on his way out of PDP
…It was against my people’s will
Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has revealed that ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar is preparing to leave the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Recall that, Atiku was the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, with Okowa as his running mate.
On March 20, 2023, the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, a former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and others jointly announced the creation of a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
The move has sparked ongoing discussions about the potential for a united opposition, with political leaders expressing varied opinions.
Speaking on Arise News on Tuesday, Okowa—who officially joined the All Progressives Congress on Monday—expressed regret for not aligning with his people in supporting a southern candidate in 2023 instead of accepting the role as Atiku’s running mate. He said, “Even when we were campaigning, I realised our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power.
“But the decision had already been taken at the federal level by the party, and I had been nominated. Still, in retrospect, I now believe I should have gone with the will of my people.”
He added that the election of the current Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, proves that the people still have confidence in their leadership.
Okowa added, “That showed the people still believed in us, believed in me. They said you’ve done well, and we will support the governor you have chosen. And they did.”
When asked about his communication with Atiku before leaving the PDP, Okowa responded, “I actually did communicate with him that we were going to have stakeholders meetings this week (in the last week) and that it was going to be a leadership meeting and the outcome of that meeting was going to determine our next path because we were no longer comfortable with the PDP.
“And I also know that he is already heading out of the PDP from the communications he has passed on to me, and that Nigerians know already.”