Fake News: No Summons For Fubara, Deputy – Ibas

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (Rtd), has described as fake news social media reports claiming that the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, have been summoned to the Government House for a meeting on Friday, 18th April 2025.

Ibas, who debunked the claims as ‘false and misleading’, warned the public to beware of dangers posed by fake news deliberately crafted by certain elements with the aim of causing panic and destabilizing the oil-rich State.

The Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Sir Dede Sampson Friday, issued the denial in an official statement on Wednesday.

He 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.

“These malicious fabrications are designed to mislead the public, create panic, and disrupt the peace in Rivers State.”

According to the statement, one such fake announcement falsely alleged that Governor Fubara and his deputy had been summoned to appear before the Sole Administrator at the Government House to give explanations over appointments and other state matters.

Categorically dismissing the announcement as FAKE, Ibas said such did not originate from any official government source.

The statement further said; “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.”

“To prevent further misinformation, the government advised the public to rely only on verified communication channels, including: The official Rivers State Government website: www.riversstate.gov.ng

“Authorized social media handles: Rivers State Government (Facebook) — others are under review for relaunch

Press releases from the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government as well as approved traditional media outlets

The statement said for additional inquiries, the public are encouraged to contact the Office of the SSG directly via +234 913 574 8442.

Meanwhile, the State government has appealed citizens to always verify all information before sharing same, even as it stressed the need for unity and calm during this critical period in the state’s political climate.

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