By Pascal Ibe

Claim

A Facebook page, Africania, claimed that the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has raised an alarm over the missing 500 bags in the government house.

Verdict

This claim is FALSE. Governor Fubara has yet to give a speech since the lifting of the state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu on 17 September. No credible news organization in Nigeria reported the claim.

Full Text

The president, on 18 March, declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Mr Fubara, his deputy, Ngọzi Odu, and Rivers assembly lawmakers for a period of six months.

The president’s decision followed a protracted political crisis caused by rifts between the governor and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over the control of political structure in the state.

The Nigerian leader also appointed Ibok-ete Ibas, a retired vice admiral, as the sole administrator in the state.

However, Mr Tinubu had on Wednesday, 17 September, declared an end to the state of emergency in Rivers and directed Mr Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers assembly to resume duties on Thursday, 18 September.

Regarding this, a Facebook page, Africania, claimed that Governor Fubara has raised an alarm over the missing five hundred bags of rice in the government house.

The Facebook reads, “Over 500 Bags of Rice are missing from Rivers State Government House Store!—“Rivers Governor Sim Fubara raises alarm as he resumes duty as governor of Rivers State”

The post has generated thousands of reactions and comments with many people believing that the post was true.

Verification

Mr Fubara was expected to return to the office on Thursday, 18 September. However, he didn’t show up despite his supporters waiting for his return at the Rivers government house.

A check on his verified X account showed that Mr Fubara had not made any address/speech as of the time of filling this check.

The outgone sole administrator in the state bowed out on Thursday but did not meet face to face with Mr Fubara.

Also, no credible news organization in Nigeria has corroborated this claim that Governor Fubara raised an alarm over the missing 500 bags of rice in the government house.

Conclusion

Governor Fubara is yet to resume duties despite the expiration of the state of emergency in the state. Regarding this, the claim that he raised an alarm over missing bags of rice is FALSE