FACT CHECK: Did Gov. Fubara Order Shutdown Of NNPC Operations In Rivers?
Reports circulating on social media have alleged that Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, has ordered the shutdown of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) operations in the state.
The claims further suggest that the governor directed his loyalists to sabotage pipelines transporting crude oil to Lagos and Abuja.
However, findings reveal that the claims are entirely false.
False Claims And Public Reaction
The allegations gained traction online following a recent court ruling that barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing federal allocations to the Rivers State Government.
The reports insinuated that in retaliation, Governor Fubara moved against NNPC’s operations within the state.
But checks indicate that no credible media organisation published any report to substantiate these claims. Instead, the narrative appears to be a rehashed version of misinformation that first surfaced late last year.
NNPC’s Response
In response to the claims, Olufemi Soneye, the NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, dismissed the reports as baseless.
Speaking to TheCable on Thursday, he described them as deliberate fabrications aimed at misleading the public and creating unnecessary tension.
“We urge the public and media to disregard this fake news and verify information from credible sources before circulation,” Soneye stated.
Independent Verification
Further investigations show no verifiable evidence linking Governor Fubara to any directive shutting down NNPC’s operations in Rivers.
Additionally, there have been no reports of pipeline vandalism attributed to the governor or his supporters.
The falsehood of these claims is further underscored by the absence of any official statement from the Rivers State Government or relevant security agencies confirming such actions.
Conclusion
The claim that Governor Sim Fubara ordered the shutdown of NNPC operations in Rivers State is entirely FALSE. It appears to be another instance of misinformation aimed at stoking political tension. Members of the public are urged to rely on credible sources for information and avoid the spread of unverified reports.
Source: TheCable
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
