Ex-Rivers HoS accuses suspended Governor Fubara of orchestrating crisis
The former head of the Rivers State civil service, George Nwaeke has accused the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of masterminding the political crisis that led to the federal government’s declaration of emergency rule in the state.
The crisis escalated two weeks ago when President Bola Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state assembly, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state administrator.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Nwaeke alleged that Fubara instigated the instability to prevent his impeachment. He claimed the suspended governor directed his chief of staff, Edison Ehie, to set fire to the Rivers State House of Assembly complex.
“I was in the government house when a bag of money was handed over to Edison for that operation, though I do not know the amount inside,” Nwaeke alleged.
He further claimed that an attempt was also made to destroy the assembly members’ residential quarters, but it was halted due to a press conference held by concerned Rivers youths, elders, and National Assembly members.
“I came to realize that they actually wanted to demolish that second building. After some weeks, the governor personally told me that if he had known earlier, he would have pulled down their hall first before going for the residential quarters,” he said.
Allegations of a plot to attack oil facilities
Nwaeke also accused Fubara of plotting to create instability by targeting oil facilities, allegedly in coordination with militant leaders.
“The suspended governor and his chief of staff held secret meetings with some militant leaders. Though I was not allowed into the meetings, each meeting ended with large sums of money being disbursed,” Nwaeke alleged.
He called on President Tinubu to instruct the sole administrator to remain vigilant, warning of ongoing threats to state stability.
In addition, Nwaeke claimed that Fubara held “nocturnal visits” with Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, and pledged to support a northern presidential candidate in future elections.
Nwaeke asserted that he resigned from his position willingly and was not pressured to do so. He maintained that the emergency rule in Rivers was necessary to prevent further instability.
