The Rivers State government has firmly denied allegations circulating on social media that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has ordered the closure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other oil companies operating within the state.
The government clarified that this claim is entirely untrue, dismissing it as misleading propaganda designed to create confusion and alarm among the public.
In an official statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, the Rivers State government condemned the report, describing it as a fabricated story that has no factual basis.
According to Johnson, the allegation is the product of inconsequential and unverified sources that are attempting to disrupt public trust in the administration.
The Commissioner expressed concern over the rise of such unfounded claims, particularly when they target a sector as critical as the oil and gas industry, which plays a central role in both the state and national economy.
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The statement reads, “The attention of Rivers State Government has been drawn to a spurious news item circulating on social media on ‘Gov. Siminalayi Fubara shutting down NNPCL and all oil companies in Rivers State.’”
The government went on to assert, saying, “This rumor was not only false but a concocted propaganda from the imagination of the author and enemies of the State.”
The administration further clarified that the governor has no intention of taking any drastic measures that could disrupt the state’s economy or its primary industries. “Governor Siminalayi Fubara is committed to the rule of law and does not rely on unconventional and crude approaches to respond to matters of governance,” the statement affirmed.
The Rivers State government urged the public, especially residents of the state and Nigerians at large, to disregard the false report. They emphasized that at no point has the governor considered or ordered any actions to close down NNPCL or other oil companies. As a crucial hub for the country’s oil production, Rivers State plays a vital role in national energy supply, and any disruptions could have far-reaching consequences..
The statement concluded by advising Rivers residents and Nigerians to ignore the spurious and fake report, assuring the public that Governor Fubara’s administration remains focused on promoting stability and economic growth in Rivers State.
