Rivers State Denies Claims Governor Fubara Ordered Shutdown of Oil Operations

The Rivers State Government has refuted a social media claim that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has halted oil operations within the state.

The widely shared post alleged that Governor Fubara ordered the closure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and other oil firms in Rivers State following a court ruling on Wednesday.

The post claimed, “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,” suggesting that Nigeria’s oil production ranking had dropped and that the governor was challenging federal authorities.

According to PUNCH Online, the Federal High Court in Abuja recently issued an order preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria from further disbursing financial allocations to the Rivers State government.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the ruling, stating that funds from the federation account should be withheld until a lawful appropriation act is passed by a properly constituted House of Assembly. The Rivers State Government has since appealed this decision, expressing confidence that it will be overturned.

Responding to the social media post, Commissioner for Information and Communications Joseph Johnson dismissed the claim as false and a fabrication. Johnson stated that Governor Fubara respects the rule of law and does not resort to drastic or unconventional measures in governance matters.

The commissioner’s statement clarified, “The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to a spurious news item circulating on social media alleging that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has shut down NNPCL and all oil companies in Rivers State.

This report is entirely false and fabricated propaganda intended to mislead the public. Governor Fubara remains committed to lawful and appropriate governance responses.”