The political crisis in Rivers State took another dramatic turn as the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday night denied allegations leveled against him by the immediate past Head of Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.
Dr. Nwaeke, who recently resigned from his position, accused Governor Fubara of orchestrating the ongoing crisis in the state, including involvement in the burning of the state assembly chamber before its demolition. He further alleged that the governor held a secret meeting with the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bala Mohammed, as part of a plot to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Fubara’s Response
Governor Fubara, in a personally signed statement, dismissed the allegations, claiming that Dr. Nwaeke had either been compromised or was speaking under duress. He urged Rivers people and Nigerians to disregard the claims, stating:
“My attention has been drawn to a press briefing by the former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, aired on Channels Television on Friday, March 28, 2025. Ordinarily, I would not have responded, but it is necessary to correct the erroneous impression such allegations might create and the potential disaffection they could cause in the state and the country.”
Dismissing the claims of conspiring with Bala Mohammed, he stated:
“It is laughable that Dr. Nwaeke, as Head of Service, would be privy to any high-level political meeting, much more attending alleged night meetings with Bala Mohammed and militants. No such meetings ever took place.”
Governor Fubara also refuted allegations that he encouraged attacks on oil pipelines and other national assets, emphasizing his commitment to peace in Rivers State:
“I have always preached peace, even in the face of provocation. Dr. Nwaeke has clearly been compromised, and his statements are aimed at discrediting my administration and undermining the peace process initiated by Mr. President.”
Dr. Nwaeke’s Allegations
In his media briefing aired on Channels Television, Dr. Nwaeke stated:
“As an insider and key player in this administration, it would be unfair for me to remain silent. If not for President Tinubu’s intervention, Nigeria would have faced severe economic sabotage, and Rivers State would have been engulfed in flames.”
He accused Governor Fubara of directing his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to orchestrate the burning of the State Assembly complex on October 29, 2023, to prevent impeachment by pro-Wike lawmakers:
“I was present when a bag of money was handed over to Edison for the operation. The House of Assembly complex was deliberately set ablaze under Governor Fubara’s orders.”
Dr. Nwaeke further alleged that the governor planned to sabotage oil infrastructure and use the influence of Ijaw militant groups to determine Nigeria’s next president:
“Governor Fubara explicitly told me that he and the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, would use their control over oil pipelines to determine Nigeria’s leadership. The plan was to initiate destruction in non-Ijaw areas first to create the appearance of a statewide crisis.”
Allegations of Hostage Situation
Meanwhile, in a new twist, Dr. Nwaeke’s wife, Mrs. Florence Nwaeke, claimed her husband was forced to make the statements under duress. Speaking in an emotional interview with Channels TV, she alleged:
“My husband was pressured to sign a false document alleging that Governor Fubara misappropriated ₦15 billion. He refused and resigned instead. Hours after he left for a meeting in Abuja, I saw a press release and a televised interview of him making accusations that do not reflect his true stance.”
She insisted that her husband’s remarks were scripted and coerced:
“I sent him a message asking if he was being held against his will, but I have received no response. That was not his voice speaking freely on television.”
Ongoing Political Unrest
The unfolding crisis continues to shake Rivers State, with conflicting claims from both sides fueling tension. While Dr. Nwaeke stands by his accusations, Governor Fubara has dismissed them as politically motivated falsehoods aimed at destabilizing his administration.
With the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, stakeholders remain divided, and concerns over security and governance loom large. President Tinubu and the National Assembly’s involvement in the crisis signals the gravity of the situation, as Nigerians await further developments.
