Shaibu denies viral video condemning emergency rule in Rivers
The immediate past deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has dismissed a viral video showing him criticising President Bola Tinubu over the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly.
Shaibu, in a press statement by his media team on Thursday, described the video as “false, misleading, and doctored” using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He added that the video is “a product of mischief” and a fabricated narrative pushed by “desperate bloggers seeking to revive their failing careers.”
“We categorically state that at no time did His Excellency grant any interview, make any statement, or participate in any discussion concerning the current political developments in Rivers State,” the statement read, dismissing the video as “doctored.”
The former deputy governor stressed that if he had any reason to ventilate his opinion on any matter of national interest, he would do so through “reputable television stations, established newspapers, and other credible media platforms.”
Shaibu further alleged that certain political figures, including prominent ones in the past administration in the state, had been orchestrating a smear campaign against him.
“These same elements are now using technology, including AI, to doctor videos and manufacture falsehoods to tarnish his image or sell their agenda,” the statement added.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu holds President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the highest regard and has deep respect for his leadership.
“As a democrat and firm believer in constitutional governance, Shaibu remains committed to the rule of law and the principles of justice.”
The former deputy governor reiterated that he remained focused and declared that he would not be distracted by “desperate politicians who have lost relevance.”
PUNCH Online reports that in the footage, Shaibu, seated next to an unidentified man dressed in white, condemned the federal government’s handling of the political crisis in Rivers, insisting that Fubara’s removal was unconstitutional.
“You can declare a state of emergency, you can even impose a sole administrator, but you cannot remove an elected governor. Fubara remains in office, even if just ceremonially. That is how it works,” Shaibu said in the video.
The Federal Government, however, insists that Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was necessary to prevent a political breakdown.
