Dr. George Nweke, former head of service in Rivers State, has alleged that Governor Siminilayi Fubara orchestrated the burning of the state House of Assembly complex in a bid to avert his impeachment.
READ ALSO: Fubara reacts to suspension, state of emergency in Rivers
Daily News 24 reports that Nweke, speaking at a press briefing on Friday, claimed he was present when a sum of money was handed over to Edison Ehie, the governor’s chief of staff, for the operation. He asserted that the governor had also planned to demolish the residential quarters of lawmakers but was hindered by public outcry.
Nweke expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers, emphasizing that the move prevented what he described as a potential economic crisis and large-scale unrest in the state.
He further accused Governor Fubara of plotting to use militant groups to manipulate national politics, citing private discussions in which the governor allegedly boasted of controlling vital oil pipelines alongside his Bayelsa counterpart. According to Nweke, the plan involved strategic attacks on oil installations in non-Ijaw areas to divert attention while executing a larger political agenda.
The former head of service also raised concerns about secret meetings between the governor, his chief of staff, and militant leaders, alleging that large sums of money were being funneled into undisclosed activities. He urged the Nigeria Labour Congress to ensure its Rivers State chapter remains neutral, alleging that the governor had been influencing the union’s leadership through financial incentives.
Calling on President Tinubu to remain vigilant, Nweke warned of continued efforts to destabilize the state and undermine the emergency rule. He urged the appointed Sole Administrator to be alert, stressing that those behind the alleged schemes were using the media to manipulate public perception.
Shortly after Dr. George Nweke’s press briefing, a video surfaced online showing his wife, Florence Nwaeke, in a phone conversation with suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In the video, Mrs. Nwaeke expressed distress, alleging that her husband was in trouble and possibly kidnapped. She questioned the authenticity of the allegations made by her husband against Governor Fubara, suggesting he was coerced. However, Dr. Nweke later released a video on Saturday refuting claims of abduction, stating that his wife was manipulated into making those assertions. He clarified that he is in Abuja for meetings with security agencies.
