The Rivers State Government has officially dismissed reports claiming that the governor of the state, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, ordered the shutdown of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited office and other federal government corporate offices within the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joseph Johnson, issued a statement in Port Harcourt addressing the alleged decision of the governor.
In his remarks, he categorically dismissed the reports as fabricated and without merit, stating that such misinformation could undermine public trust and create unnecessary panic among residents.
He reassured the public that the Rivers State Government remains committed to transparency and open communication, urging citizens to rely on official channels for accurate information regarding government actions and policies.
Johnson further descried the report as part of propaganda by enemies of the governor and the state, adding that only inconsequential medium flew with it.
The commissioner said the governor believes in rule of law, noting that Fubara would not take part in any action that runs contrary to his stand.
He said: “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 report was not only false, but a concocted propaganda from the imagination of the author and enemies of the State. The story was also circulated by an inconsequential and unverified medium.
“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.
“We therefore enjoin Rivers people and well-meaning Nigerians to discountenance the spurious and fake report as Governor Fubara at no time contemplated and/or directed such needless order of shutting down the economy for any reason.”