ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Simplified Movement Worldwide (SMW), a support group backing suspended Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has rejected claims by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, that killings and insecurity led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Speaking on Sunday, Rt. Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi, Director General of SMW, stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may have been misled about the actual situation in Rivers, leading to his decision to suspend Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly last Tuesday.
Despite their opposition to the emergency rule, Bipi said SMW welcomes the newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), expressing confidence in his ability to manage the state’s affairs.
Bipi dismissed AGF Fagbemi’s assertion that insecurity and killings in Rivers prompted the emergency declaration, calling the claim “baseless, fallacious, and an ill-fated attempt to justify the action.”
“Rivers State has remained largely peaceful under the pragmatic leadership of our peace-loving Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, despite the political crisis.
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“We believe the President may have been wrongly advised by the Attorney General and his associates to impose emergency rule in the state,” he stated.
He commended Fubara’s maturity and commitment to the rule of law, emphasizing that the governor had complied with the Supreme Court’s ruling despite political tensions.
According to Vanguard, Bipi revealed that Fubara had made several attempts to present the 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly but was repeatedly obstructed.
“He was denied access to the Assembly Quarters for budget presentation despite official notifications.
“He planned to make a third attempt on Wednesday, March 19, but before then, the state of emergency was declared on March 18,” he explained.
Bipi alleged that the true motive of the Assembly was to impeach Fubara, using the non-presentation of the budget as an excuse.
“Despite disagreeing with the Supreme Court judgment, Governor Fubara demonstrated sincerity in implementing it. However, the Assembly deliberately frustrated his efforts to justify an impeachment under the guise of gross misconduct,” he added.
Describing Fubara as a symbol of democracy, Bipi assured that SMW remains steadfast in its support for him, vowing to stand by his leadership despite the challenges.