HURIWA Slams Fagbemi, Onanuga Over Unverified Allegations Against Fubara

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned recent allegations made by top federal officials, including the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, linking Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to militant activities in the Niger Delta. HURIWA has described these claims as baseless and politically motivated.

In a statement issued on Monday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, criticized the accusations from Fagbemi and Onanuga, pointing out that the claims lacked credible evidence. “These are serious allegations that can destabilize not only Rivers State but the entire Niger Delta, yet no concrete evidence has been made public to substantiate them,” Onwubiko said.

The controversy began when the AGF accused Governor Fubara of allegedly orchestrating attacks on oil infrastructure through militant proxies. This claim drew widespread criticism, and Onanuga, in a separate opinion piece, defended the federal government’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing intelligence reports that purportedly connected the governor to security threats.

However, HURIWA dismissed these assertions, accusing the federal officials of relying on “rumour-based governance” instead of verified intelligence. The rights group challenged both Fagbemi and Onanuga to provide hard evidence instead of creating tensions with speculative claims.

“It is disgraceful that at a time when Nigerians are yearning for stability and good governance, top officials of the federal government are busy engaging in baseless accusations, further tarnishing Nigeria’s image before the international community,” the statement read.

HURIWA also pointed out that Governor Fubara has consistently demonstrated a commitment to peace and good governance. The governor recently issued public statements denying any links to militant groups, dismissing viral videos alleging explosions on oil and gas facilities in Rivers State as “fake and malicious,” and calling for an investigation into their origins.

The rights group supported this call, demanding a transparent forensic investigation into the allegations and incidents in Rivers State. HURIWA emphasized that such an investigation must be free from political manipulation to ensure that the actual perpetrators, if any, are identified.

Beyond the allegations, HURIWA criticized the federal government’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it “unconstitutional, unnecessary, and politically motivated.” The group argued that there was no clear evidence of a war-like situation or a complete breakdown of law and order, which are the conditions required under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to justify such an action.

“The AGF and other federal agents must be reminded that the Supreme Court judgment, which is now being used to justify executive overreach in Rivers State, does not license rumour-based governance,” HURIWA stated.

In response to the political tension, HURIWA urged Governor Fubara to consider legal action against those making unsubstantiated allegations against him. While acknowledging concerns about the judiciary’s independence, the rights group stressed the importance of using legal channels to set the record straight.

“The dangerous game of labeling peaceful citizens as militants without evidence is not only reckless but risks plunging Rivers State into avoidable chaos. Nigeria’s democracy deserves better,” the group concluded.