The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (Rtd.), has firmly refuted social media reports alleging that he summoned the suspended Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, for a meeting on Friday, April 18, 2025.
Describing the claims as baseless and misleading, Ibas cautioned the public about the dangers of fake news, emphasizing that such false narratives are designed to incite panic and disrupt the state’s stability.
This denial was detailed in an official statement released on Wednesday by Sir Dede Sampson Friday, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
“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,” the statement read.
“These malicious fabrications are designed to mislead the public, create panic, and disrupt the peace in Rivers State.”
One such fake announcement, the government said, 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.
The state government has categorically dismissed the announcement as FAKE, stressing that it did not originate from any official source.
“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 counter the spread of misinformation, the government has urged the public to rely solely on the following verified communication channels:
- The official Rivers State Government website: www.riversstate.gov.ng
- Authorized social media platforms: Rivers State Government (Facebook) — other handles are currently under review for relaunch.
- Press releases from the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
- Accredited traditional media outlets.
For further inquiries, citizens are encouraged to contact the Office of the Secretary to the State Government directly at +234 913 574 8442.
The government also called on residents to verify information before sharing it and stressed the importance of unity and calm during this pivotal period in the state’s political landscape.