Embattled Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has finally spoken out against the recent allegations made by former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, dismissing them as "false, misleading, and part of a desperate political plot" to tarnish his administration’s reputation.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, March 28, 2025, Fubara responded to Nwaeke’s press briefing aired on Channels Television, where the former Head of Service accused the governor of engaging in secret political meetings and supporting attacks on oil pipelines.
Governor Fubara expressed deep concern over the "baseless" allegations, particularly Nwaeke’s claim that he participated in covert political discussions regarding the 2027 presidential ambitions of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. According to Fubara, the notion that Nwaeke had access to such high-level political meetings was "laughable" and "completely fabricated." He emphasized that no such meetings ever took place.
Furthermore, the governor categorically denied accusations of supporting militant groups or orchestrating attacks on national assets, calling the claims "outrageous and unfounded." He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to peace and stability in Rivers State, stressing that he had consistently preached unity even in the face of political provocations.
Governor Fubara also suggested that Nwaeke had been "compromised" and was acting under the influence of external forces. He insinuated that the former Head of Service might have been "coerced or financially induced" to make damaging claims against him.
Governor Fubara’s full statement reads:
IGNORE NWAEKE’S FALSE CLAIMS
My attention has been drawn to a press briefing by the former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, aired on Channels Television on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Ordinarily, I would not have responded to such baseless accusations. However, to prevent the spread of misinformation and to clarify matters for the good people of Rivers State and Nigerians at large, I feel compelled to address these claims.
Firstly, the claim that I was involved in discussions supporting Bala Mohammed’s alleged 2027 presidential bid is not only false but also laughable. It is inconceivable that Dr. Nwaeke, as Head of Service, would have been part of such high-level political meetings. His assertion that he attended so-called "night meetings" with Bala Mohammed and militants is pure fiction. No such meetings ever took place.
For the record, Governor Bala Mohammed’s visits to Rivers State were public events, covered by the media. There was no secrecy involved, and the meetings were in line with his role as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum. Any suggestion otherwise is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
Secondly, I find it deeply troubling that Dr. Nwaeke has gone as far as to claim that I was involved in planning attacks on oil pipelines and national assets in Rivers State. This allegation is not only outrageous but also an insult to my long-standing efforts in maintaining peace and security in the state. At no point have I ever held any meeting with militants or any criminal elements to destabilize our dear state.
I have always championed peaceful coexistence, even when faced with undue political pressures. My administration remains focused on fostering development and ensuring that Rivers State continues on the path of progress.
It is clear to me and to well-meaning Nigerians that Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised. His recent statements are politically motivated and aimed at serving the interests of those who seek to discredit me and my government. Whether through coercion or financial incentives, he has chosen to betray the truth in favor of a political script handed to him by desperate actors.
I urge the people of Rivers State and the general public to disregard these falsehoods. These allegations are nothing more than desperate attempts to undermine the peace process initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to create unnecessary division within the state.
As always, my administration remains committed to good governance, transparency, and the welfare of the people of Rivers State.
With tensions running high, political analysts suggest that this latest controversy could further deepen the rift within the Rivers political landscape. Meanwhile, supporters of Governor Fubara have continued to rally behind him, condemning what they describe as an "orchestrated campaign of calumny" aimed at destabilizing his leadership.
All eyes are now on the political developments in Rivers State, as stakeholders await the next course of action in this ongoing battle of narratives.