…as the former Head of Service turns against his superior
Ex-HoS’ spouse raises concern over husband’s wellbeingThe political turmoil in Rivers State has taken a new direction as suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the state’s Sole Administrator, engage in a fierce battle over accusations regarding N15 billion fraud and alleged ties to terrorism.
Fubara has, however, refuted the claim, asserting that there is no missing N15 billion.
“These allegations are simply another desperate maneuver by political figures to create instability in Rivers State,” he stated.
Reports indicate that tensions have been escalating since the Federal Government declared a state of emergency on March 18 and appointed Ibas to govern the state.
The situation, it has been gathered, has exacerbated conflicts within the state, particularly following the unexpected resignation of the former Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, which has fueled speculation about hidden political strategies.
In a surprising turn, the ex-HoS, Dr. Nwaeke, has purportedly separated himself from Governor Fubara, accusing him of orchestrating the arson attack on the Rivers State House of Assembly to thwart his impeachment.
Nwaeke, who recently stepped down from his position as Head of Service, disclosed these allegations during a press conference on Friday.
He asserted that his resignation was voluntary, countering rumors that he had been dismissed or coerced to leave.
He stated: “My esteemed fellow citizens of Rivers State, I humbly and responsibly address you today as your former Head of Service.
“You might recall that I was appointed by our suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara. I am grateful to him for the chance to serve. Nevertheless, in light of the misinformation circulating, I must clarify the facts. I was not dismissed, nor was I coerced into resigning. I stepped down of my own accord.
“It all began when the governor instructed his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to ignite a fire at the Assembly complex. That night, Edison was in the Government House with two other individuals, including the former Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Chijioke. I witnessed when a bag of money was given to Edison for the operation,” Nwaeke recounted.
Nwaeke also mentioned that he had contemplated resigning earlier, but delayed his decision due to fears for his safety, considering his access to sensitive information.
“One reason for my departure was a conversation when Governor Fubara indicated that the Ijaw people would decide who the next president of Nigeria would be. When I inquired how that would happen, whether through voting or other means, he informed me that as the Chief Security Officer of Rivers State, with his brother in charge of Bayelsa, they had control over all the pipelines. At the right moment, he said, ‘we will instruct the boys on what to do, and finances won’t be an issue,’” he claimed.
He cautioned that this alleged plan involved sabotage tactics, starting with targeted strikes on oil facilities in areas outside of Ijaw, seemingly aimed at destabilizing the Federal Government.
In response to Nwaeke’s accusations, the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, quickly dismissed the claims, urging Nigerians to ignore them.
The governor characterized Nwaeke’s allegations as “absurd” in a statement he issued on Friday.
Fubara urged residents of Rivers State to stay alert against outside forces trying to take advantage of the current situation.
“These distractions should not sway the people. The aim is to stir chaos, but we need to remain attentive,” he declared.
Sunday Hope further reported that, with no quick resolution in view, the ongoing dispute between Fubara and Ibas will likely continue to create uncertainty regarding the governance of Rivers State.
In the meantime, Florence Nwaeke, the wife of the former Head of Service in the state, has expressed grave worries about her husband’s safety.
In a widely shared video, she claimed that her husband was compelled to resign after he declined to sign a financial document that would implicate the government in the purported mismanagement of N15 billion.
“They pressured him to sign a document stating that N15 billion was unaccounted for. He refused, asserting that he did not know such funds. When they persisted, he opted to resign rather than be part of what he considered a fabricated allegation,” she recounted, clearly upset.
She also revealed that she has been unable to contact her husband since his resignation, fearing he may have been detained or kidnapped.
“I have not been able to reach him. I have heard that he is being held somewhere in Abuja, and I am concerned for his safety,” she stated, her voice filled with concern.
Shortly after, Dr. Nwaeke appeared in Abuja to address the media and counter his wife’s allegations.
Speaking from Transcorp Hotel, he clarified that his visit to Abuja was voluntary and meant to communicate with security agencies.
“I served as the Head of Service until Monday, when I resigned due to certain developments in the state. Contrary to rumors, I am not missing, nor have I been abducted. I am in Abuja to report the situation to the relevant authorities myself,” Nwaeke explained.
He dismissed his wife’s accusations as misguided, stressing that she had no insight into his professional responsibilities.
“My wife does not have access to official matters. The narrative presented to her was designed to induce unnecessary panic,” he stated.
