In a recent press briefing, former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, accused suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, of masterminding the bombing of the State House of Assembly complex in Port Harcourt.
Nwaeke, who previously served under Fubara and was thought to be his ally, claimed that the governor directed his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to carry out the attack. He made these allegations during a national television interview on Friday night, stating that the suspended governor was fearful of a possible impeachment by the 27 lawmakers. This fear allegedly led Fubara to order the destruction of the Assembly complex.
Nwaeke stated, “It all started with the State House of Assembly, where the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, directed his Chief of Staff to burn down the Assembly in a way to avert his suspected impeachment. That evening, Edison was in Government House with many of his boys, including the former chairman of Obio/Akpor, Mr. Chijioke Ihunwo. I was there with them when a bag of money was handed over to Edison for that operation. A day after that incident, I almost resigned, but I was very scared because I know the power of a sitting governor and he knew that I am aware of the whole plan.”
Read Also: ICPC Arraigns former Deputy Director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for allegations of misappropriating public
In light of these claims, Nwaeke called on the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress to maintain proper conduct and ensure that their chairman does not compromise or show partisanship. He stated, “Let me draw the attention of the Nigerian Labour Congress to call their chairman, Rivers State Chapter, to order to avoid politicizing Labour. I am privy to several private meetings between the Governor and the Labour leader in the state and the largesse that accompanied each meeting to compromise the Labour Union.”
Responding to Nwaeke’s allegations Governor Siminalayi Fubara He stated, “My attention has been drawn to a press briefing by the former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, aired on Channels Television on the 28th of March 2025.
Ordinarily, I would not have responded to his claims, but to correct the erroneous impression such allegations may create in the minds of the people, and the disaffection it is bound to cause in the state and the country.”
Fubara refuted claims regarding his discussions or plans to support Bala Mohammed’s alleged 2027 presidential bid, calling it laughable that Nwaeke would have been privy to any such high-level meetings. He emphasized, “None of such meetings ever held. The truth is that the whole world knew when the Bauchi State Governor, as Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum, visited the State, and there was nothing secret about the visits.”
He further rejected allegations that he encouraged attacks on oil pipelines and national assets, maintaining that he has consistently advocated for peace in the state. Fubara stated, “The truth is that Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised, and whatever he is saying is only aimed at fulfilling his promise to those who may have paid or coerced him to lie against me.
I call on all well-meaning Nigerians and the good people of Rivers State to disregard everything said by Dr. Nwaeke as they are mere desperate attempts to discredit me and my administration and undermine the peace process by Mr. President.”
