...As Leaked Chats Expose Former HoS’ Distress Before Controversial Press Briefing
The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has refuted allegations made by the former Head of Service of the State, Dr. George Nwaeke, during a press briefing aired on Channels Television on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Dr. Nwaeke in the briefing alleged that he was present when Mr. Fubara handed money to his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie and the former Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Chijioke Ihunwo to burn the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex.
aalso alleged of the plan by the Memories Fubara to support Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed for President, among others.
Mr. Fubara in a statement he signed on Saturday described Nwaeke’s claims as baseless and aimed at misleading the public.
He expressed dismay over Nwaeke’s assertions, particularly the claim that the he was involved in political discussions to support Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s alleged 2027 presidential bid.
He dismissed the notion that Nwaeke, as a former Head of Service, would have been privy to any high-level political meetings, emphasizing that no such meetings took place, contrary to Nwaeke’s allegations.
“The whole world was aware when the Bauchi State Governor, as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum, visited Rivers State. There was nothing secret about those visits,” Fubara clarified.
Furthermore, the governor denounced claims that he orchestrated meetings to encourage attacks on oil pipelines and other national assets in the state.
He described the allegations as not only false but also an attempt to tarnish his image and destabilize the peace process by President Bola Tinubi in the state.
Mr. Fubara restated his commitment to peace and security, stating, “I have always preached peace in Rivers State, even in the face of obvious provocations.”
He accused Dr. Nwaeke of being compromised, alleging that he was either coerced or financially induced to make false claims against him.
“I urge all well-meaning Nigerians and the good people of Rivers State to disregard everything said by Dr. Nwaeke. His statements are nothing but desperate attempts to discredit me and my administration."
Video Emerges of Nwaeke’s Wife Raising Alarm
In a new twist to the controversy, a video surfaced showing Florence Nwaeke, the wife of the former Head of Service, tearfully calling Governor Fubara via WhatsApp, expressing fears that her husband may have been kidnapped.
In the video, she alleged that Dr. Nwaeke resigned because he refused to sign documents against the Mr. Fubara.
Following the video, Channels Television crew visited the official residence of the former Head of Service on Olumeni Street, Old GRA, Port Harcourt, where Florence Nwaeke maintained that her husband had been pressured to make his statements under duress.
She revealed that her husband had confided in her about being coerced into signing a document that accused suspended Governor Fubara of failing to declare N15 billion in his handover notes after the state of emergency was declared.
She further explained that her husband had traveled to Abuja on a paid ticket on Friday and had communicated with her upon arrival.
However, she was shocked to see him speaking on Channels Television at 10 PM that same day.
Since then, she has been unable to reach him, as both of his phone lines have been switched off.
Allegations of Financial Inducement
Supporters of the suspended Governor Fubara believe that Dr. Nwaeke may have been financially induced to make the allegations.
They argue that the claims against Fubara and his close allies, including his Chief of Staff Edison Ehie and former Obio/Akpor LGA Chairman Chijioke Ihunwo, are unfounded and politically motivated.
The screenshot messages, reportedly exchanged in the days leading up to Nwaeke’s controversial media appearance, paint a picture of a man seeking psychological support and financial assistance.
In one of the messages, Dr. Nwaeke apologized for failing to call earlier, citing that he was in an 'uncomfortable environment' and was leaving his house early.
In another message, Nwaeke expressed frustration over financial difficulties, stating, “My take-home monthly is less than N500k, and it does not reach anywhere, not even enough to take care of the political dependants talk alone other encumbrances.”
Nwaeke also pleaded for assistance, saying, “I really need the necessary assistance and psychological support at this time,” and “I hope I have not been forgotten.