Victor EzejaImmediate past Head of Service in Rivers State, Dr. George Nwaeke, has alleged that the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, ordered the bombing of the state House of Assembly complex in 2023.
In a video of a press conference held on Friday, which was shared on social media, Dr Nwaeke alleged that Fubara did that to avert the impeachment moves made by lawmakers loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe said: “I want to tell Rivers people today that the House of Assembly complex in Moscow Road was clearly brought down by Edison Ehie (Fubara’s Chief of Staff) under the instructions of Gov Siminilayi Fubara.
“I challenge him to an open confrontation, and I will throw more light on it.”
The ex-head of service claimed that he was in the government house in Port Harcourt when the plan was concluded and that “a bag of money was handed over to Edison for that operation.” He, however, stated that he did not know the amount inside the bag.
He said he almost resigned a day after the incident, but remained in office as he was scared of what could befall him, as the governor knew he was aware of the alleged plans.
He further claimed that another attempt was also made to demolish the residential quarters of the house of assembly members, but that was aborted by a press conference that was granted by Rivers youths, Rivers elders and National Assembly members.
“I came to realize that they actually wanted to demolish that second building because after some weeks, he personally told me that if he knew early, he would have gone to pull down their hall before visiting the residential quarters of the assembly and that he didn’t actually know that they had such a beautiful hall were they are using now for their sitting.
“I was shocked, and I asked myself how could a man who wants to lead his people be destroying his state assets and wasting public funds on a needless ego fight.”
However, later on Friday, Nwaeke’s wife, Florence, during an interview with Channels Television, said the man in the video was not her husband.
She raised the alarm that she has not been able to communicate with her husband since he arrived in Abuja.
She said even if it was the husband, he could have made the statement against Fubara under duress.
In another video shared on social media, the wife was seen calling the suspended governor, Fubara, wailing and saying her husband has been abducted. She appealed to Fubara for help.
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Contrary to what Nwaeke said in the press conference with journalists, Florence stated that her husband resigned due to pressure from some individuals to sign documents implicating Fubara.
In response, Fubara said Nwaeke lied against him and wondered why he would do such a thing against him. He said he never offended the ex-head of service.
“I’m surprised that he granted such an interview. Where have I offended him? Why will he cook up such lies against me?” Fubara asked while speaking with Florence, as shown in the video, apparently recorded from Fubara’s end during the phone call.
I’m Safe – Ex-HOS
However, in a video released on Saturday morning, the former Head of Service assured the public that he is safe and was not kidnapped.
Nwaeke said he is currently lodging at the Transcorp Hilton hotel in Abuja and would go to security agencies to report things that are happening in his state.
“My coming to Abuja was based on the fact that Abuja is where the headquarters of security agencies are housed. I came here, and I think I am safe here to make this report, and they can investigate. I am on oath, and if I lied in any of the information, they can take me up. But I am reporting exactly what I know. I said everything from my mind. And I want to reassure you that everything I said is true,” he stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
