…as ex-Head of Service turns against his boss

• Ex-HoS’ wife raises alarm over husband’s safety

The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new twist as suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), engage in a heated tussle over allegations of N15 billion fraud and suspected links to terrorism.

Fubara has, however, denied the allegation, stating that there is no missing N15 billion.

“These allegations are yet another desperate attempt by political actors to destabilise Rivers State,” he said.

Reports had it that crisis has been brewing since the Federal Government declared a state of emergency on March 18, and appointed Ibas to oversee governance in the state.

The situation, it was gathered, has further deepened tensions in the state, especially with the abrupt resignation of the former Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, heightening speculation about underlying political manoeuvres.

In a dramatic twist, the ex-HoS, Dr. Nwaeke, has reportedly distanced himself from Governor Fubara, accusing him of orchestrating the arson attack on the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent his impeachment.

Nwaeke, who recently resigned as Head of Service, made this revelation during a news briefing on Friday.

He maintained that he resigned voluntarily, countering speculations that he was sacked or pressured to leave.

He said: “My dear people of Rivers State, it is with humility and a sense of responsibility that I address you today as your former Head of Service.

“You would recall that I was appointed by our suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara. I appreciate him for the opportunity to serve. However, amidst the misinformation circulating, I must set the record straight. I was not sacked, nor was I pressured to resign. I resigned willingly from the depth of my heart.

“It all started when the governor directed his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to set fire to the Assembly complex. That night, Edison was in the Government House with two other men, including the former Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Chijioke. I was there when a bag of money was handed over to Edison for the operation,” Nwaeke explained.

Nwaeke further disclosed that he had considered resigning earlier, but hesitated due to concerns for his personal safety, given his access to sensitive information.

“One of the factors that led to my removal was when Governor Fubara told me that the Ijaw people would determine who becomes the next president of Nigeria. When I asked how that would be achieved, whether through votes or other means, he told me that as the Chief Security Officer of Rivers State, with his brother in charge of Bayelsa, all the pipelines were under their control. At the appropriate time, he said, ‘we will tell the boys what to do, and funds are not an issue,’” he alleged.

He warned that this purported strategy involved acts of sabotage, beginning with targeted attacks on oil facilities in non-Ijaw areas, a move seemingly designed to destabilise the Federal Government.

Reacting to Nwaeke’s allegations, the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, swiftly dismissed the claims against him, asking Nigerians to disregard them.

The governor described Nwaeke’s allegations as “laughable” in a statement he signed on Friday..

Fubara urged the people of Rivers State to remain vigilant against external influences seeking to exploit the situation.

“The people must not fall for these distractions. The goal is to create chaos, but we must remain focused,” he asserted.

Sunday Hope further gathered that with no immediate resolution in sight, the ongoing rift between Fubara and Ibas, will continue to cast uncertainty over the future governance of Rivers State.

Meanwhile, wife of the former Head of Service in the state, Florence Nwaeke, has raised serious concerns about her husband’s safety.

In a widely circulated video, she alleged that her husband was forced to resign after refusing to sign a financial document implicating the government in the alleged mismanagement of N15 billion.

“They told him to sign a document claiming that N15 billion was unaccounted for. He refused, stating that he had no knowledge of such funds. When they insisted, he chose to resign rather than be complicit in what he believed to be a fabricated claim,” she stated, visibly distressed.

She further disclosed that she had been unable to reach her husband since his resignation, fearing that he might have been detained or abducted.

“I have not been able to speak with him. I learnt that he is being kept somewhere in Abuja, and I fear for his safety,” she said, her voice laden with anxiety.

Hours later, Dr. Nwaeke surfaced in Abuja, addressing the media to counter his wife’s claims.

Speaking from Transcorp Hotel, he clarified that his trip to Abuja was voluntary and aimed at engaging with security agencies.

“I was the Head of Service until Monday when I resigned due to certain developments in the state. Contrary to speculation, I am not missing, neither have I been kidnapped. I am in Abuja to personally report the situation to relevant authorities,” Nwaeke stated.

He dismissed his wife’s claims as misinformed, emphasising that she had no involvement in his professional duties.

“My wife is not privy to official matters. The narrative presented to her was orchestrated to create unnecessary alarm,” he said.