A civil society group, Citizens for Justice and Democracy (CJD), has alleged that some political actors are sponsoring a smear campaign against President Bola Tinubu over an alleged plot to declare a state of emergency in Rivers state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its convener, , Comrade Raymond Aighona, the group said the false narrative is being peddled by those it described as “enemies of peace and progress” in Rivers.
According to Aighona, “It is disheartening to witness a deliberate attempt by some political actors to link the president to a phantom plot of emergency rule in Rivers state.
“These accusations are not only false but maliciously intended to tarnish the image of President Tinubu and create unnecessary tension in the polity.”
He further accused the suspended Rivers governor, Sim Fubara, of sponsoring the campaigns.
“Siminalayi Fubara has chosen the path of bitterness and deceit. He has not forgiven President Tinubu for saving Rivers State from total political anarchy through the declaration of emergency rule.
“Now, in an act of reckless vengeance, he is sponsoring falsehoods, pushing forged documents, and trying to smear the reputation of the President and the sole administrator. These antics will not succeed,” Aighona declared.
Aighona said President Tinubu has shown “an unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and democratic principles”, and would not allow political mischief-makers to hijack the narrative for selfish gains.
He called on security agencies to “investigate and bring to book those behind the dangerous propaganda”, warning that continued dissemination of falsehood could incite public unrest.
“Let it be known that the president has no hand in any plan to destabilise Rivers state,” Aighona added.
He also urged political stakeholders in Rivers to seek peaceful means of resolving disputes rather than resorting to tactics that could “drag the country into avoidable crisis”.
The group said it would continue to monitor developments and “expose those who seek to destabilise Nigeria through fake news and calculated misinformation campaigns”.