Rivers not war zone: group tackles attorney-general’s security claims

The Director General of the Simplified Movement Worldwide, Evans Bipi, has strongly refuted claims by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was due to heightened insecurity and killings.

Bipi described Fagbemi’s claims as “baseless, fallacious, and an ill-fated attempt to justify the declaration of the state of emergency.”

He emphasised that Rivers State has been largely peaceful with improved security under Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s leadership, despite the ongoing political impasse.

The Simplified Movement Worldwide believes that President Bola Tinubu may have been wrongly advised by the Attorney General and his associates to declare the emergency rule.

Bipi praised Governor Fubara for his maturity and respect for the rule of law, demonstrated by his compliance with the Supreme Court judgment.

According to Bipi, Governor Fubara made several unsuccessful attempts to present the 2025 Budget before the Rivers State House of Assembly, which they rebuffed.

The governor was also denied access to the Assembly Quarters for the budget presentation, despite notifying the Assembly of his planned visit.

The Simplified Movement Worldwide accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of deliberately frustrating Fubara’s efforts, with the ultimate goal of impeaching him.

Bipi emphasised that the governor’s refusal to allow the Assembly to control the state’s resources at the expense of millions of Rivers people is the real reason behind their actions.

The group has pledged its support for Fubara, describing him as “an epitome of Nigeria’s democracy.”

Bipi expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and solidarity shown by millions of Nigerians for the Governor.

Meanwhile, the Simplified Movement Worldwide welcomed the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), as he assumed office under the emergency rule.

Bipi expressed confidence that Ibas’s wealth of experience as a former naval chief and Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana will enable him to steer the state’s affairs effectively during his tenure.