In a startling revelation, the immediate past Head of Service of Rivers State, Dr. George Nwaeke, has alleged that the suspended governor, Siminilayi Fubara, masterminded the destruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly and plotted economic sabotage aimed at undermining President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Nwaeke, who served closely under Governor Fubara, made the allegations during a video press conference, claiming to have witnessed key events that led to the governor’s suspension on March 18. He also addressed what he described as widespread misinformation in the media and clarified that he resigned voluntarily, not under duress.
According to Nwaeke, Fubara directed his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to preempt an impeachment move. He alleged that the plan was executed with the involvement of Edison Ehie and other associates, including a former local government chairman.
“I was present when a bag of money was handed over to Edison for that operation,” Nwaeke claimed, challenging Fubara and his associates to an open confrontation.
Nwaeke also disclosed an alleged plot to destroy the residential quarters of Assembly members, which was only averted after a press conference by concerned youths, elders, and lawmakers.
In a shocking twist, Nwaeke claimed that Governor Fubara planned to sabotage the nation’s economy by targeting oil facilities, beginning with non-Ijaw areas to create the illusion of a statewide revolt. The alleged plan involved utilizing militant groups and leveraging the influence of governors in the Niger Delta region.
Nwaeke further alleged that Fubara had boasted of being the “David that will bring down the Goliath of Rivers State” and intended to use state resources to support a northern presidential candidate, possibly Governor Bala Mohammed.
Commending President Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, Nwaeke described the move as timely and necessary to prevent chaos. He urged the president not to relent in monitoring the state’s affairs, hinting at ongoing sinister plots.
Meanwhile, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has slammed the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for opposing the state of emergency declaration. Wike accused the NBA of hypocrisy, alleging that the association’s stance was influenced by promises from the Rivers government to host its annual general conference.
Wike urged the Body of Benchers to call the NBA to order, warning against the association’s persistent criticism of the judiciary and the executive. He expressed concern that judges now live in fear of public perception and accusations of bribery, calling for an end to what he termed as unwarranted taunting of the judiciary.
As the crisis in Rivers State unfolds, stakeholders and observers await further developments, especially as Nwaeke challenges Fubara and his associates to publicly refute his claims. The revelations have sparked debates about the integrity of the state’s leadership and the broader implications for national security.
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