The Rivers State Government has dismissed a viral report claiming that the state’s Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd), summoned suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, for interrogation.
In a statement signed by Sir Dede Friday, Permanent Secretary of the Special Service Bureau in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the government described the report as false and lacking any official source.
The statement urged the public to disregard the claim, labeling it as the work of individuals attempting to destabilize the state.
It also cautioned against other fake announcements circulating on social media and falsely attributed to the SSG, warning that such misinformation is intended to mislead the public, cause panic, and disrupt the state’s peace.
The government reaffirmed that all official information is released only through verifiable channels, including the official Rivers State Government website, authorized social media platforms, press releases from the Governor’s office or the SSG, and accredited traditional media outlets.
The statement said: “The Rivers State Government has become aware of fraudulent announcements circulating on social media, falsely attributed to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). These malicious fabrications are designed to mislead the public, create panic, and disrupt the peace in Rivers State”.
“One such fake announcement falsely claims that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, the suspended Governor of Rivers State, and the Deputy Governor, Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu, were summoned to a meeting at the Government House on Friday, April 18, 2025.
“The Rivers State Government categorically states that this announcement is fake and did not originate from any official source. The public is urged to disregard this and any similar misinformation, as they are the work of troublemakers seeking to destabilize the state.
“The public is advised to always verify information before sharing and to rely solely on official government sources for accurate updates.”
