By The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has denounced claims by top federal officials linking Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to militant activities in the Niger Delta, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
In a statement on Monday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, criticized Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, for making allegations without credible evidence.
“These are serious allegations that can destabilize not only Rivers State but the entire Niger Delta, yet no concrete evidence has been made public to substantiate them,” Onwubiko stated.
The AGF accused Fubara of orchestrating attacks on oil infrastructure, while Onanuga defended the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, citing intelligence reports. However, HURIWA dismissed these claims as speculative and urged the officials to present hard facts.
HURIWA emphasized Governor Fubara’s commitment to peace and governance, noting his denial of ties to militants and dismissal of viral explosion videos as “fake and malicious.” The group called for an independent forensic investigation into the allegations, warning against political manipulation.
Furthermore, HURIWA criticized the imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers, arguing that no constitutional justification exists for such a move. It urged Fubara to take legal action against those making unsubstantiated claims, warning that reckless accusations could lead to unnecessary chaos.
“Nigeria’s democracy deserves better,” the statement concluded.
