Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, issued a stern warning on Tuesday, stating that oil production in the state could be jeopardized if violence persists. This follows the arson attack on four local government secretariats on Monday. The state government has also established a seven-member judicial commission to investigate the attack, which was carried out by political thugs.

Speaking in Port Harcourt during the swearing-in of five new commissioners, Fubara emphasized the importance of peace, stating: “As your leader, the one steering the ship, I assure you that I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace.” He cautioned against meeting violence with force and urged stakeholders to work together to prevent oil theft and pipeline vandalism, which could negatively affect the country’s economy.

Governor Fubara also reiterated that his administration, in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS), will uncover those responsible for the recent arson and hold them accountable. He expressed frustration that political drama was diverting attention from his administration’s achievements but assured that a day would soon be set aside to highlight the government’s progress.

Meanwhile, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for the first time since the recent elections, blamed Governor Fubara for the escalating political crisis in Rivers State. Wike, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said: “The problem is that he planned a coup to remove the speaker of the State House of Assembly, and the coup boomeranged.” Wike dismissed the need for a judicial inquiry into the violence, arguing that Fubara should focus on law enforcement if he already knows who is responsible. “I have told our lawyers to go and set aside that rubbish,” he stated.

In reaction to the unrest, Methodist Bishop Dr. Sunday Onuoha warned that the crisis could escalate into a national emergency if not resolved. Onuoha urged elder statesmen to intervene, stating, “This is the moment to save that state from crisis and, ultimately, to protect Nigeria from an impending political turmoil that could engulf our democracy.”