Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has publicly dismissed claims made by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service (HOS) of the state, calling them false and aimed at discrediting his administration.
In a statement released following a press briefing aired on Channels Television on Friday, March 28, 2025, Governor Fubara expressed his concern over the impact of the false claims and felt compelled to respond in order to clear the air. The former HOS, Dr. Nwaeke, had made several allegations during the briefing, including claims about the governor’s alleged support for Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s 2027 presidential bid and accusations of his involvement with militants and criminal groups in the state.
Governor Fubara responded strongly to these allegations, describing them as “laughable” and “ludicrous.” He specifically addressed Nwaeke’s claim that he was aware of secret meetings between the governor and Governor Bala Mohammed, which supposedly took place at night and allegedly involved militants. According to Fubara, no such meetings ever occurred.
“I find it laughable that Dr. Nwaeke would claim to have been part of any high-level political meeting, especially in his capacity as the former Head of Service. There were no such meetings as he described. The visit of Governor Bala Mohammed, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum, to Rivers State was well-publicized, and nothing about it was secret,” Governor Fubara said in his statement.
The governor also addressed the claim that he was involved in meetings aimed at encouraging attacks on oil pipelines and other national assets in the state. Fubara firmly rejected the allegation, asserting that he had never engaged with militants or any criminal groups to destabilize the state.
“It is completely false to suggest that I encouraged any attacks on national assets. I have always been a strong advocate for peace in Rivers State, even when faced with provocation,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining stability in the region.
Governor Fubara took a step further by accusing Dr. Nwaeke of being “compromised.” He insinuated that the former Head of Service’s actions were driven by ulterior motives, possibly related to external pressures or incentives. Fubara strongly suggested that Nwaeke’s statements were made in an attempt to fulfill a promise to individuals who may have paid or coerced him to fabricate lies against the governor.
“Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised, and his statements are nothing more than desperate attempts to discredit me and undermine the peace process led by President Tinubu. The people of Rivers State and all well-meaning Nigerians should disregard these false claims,” the governor stated.
In his response, Governor Fubara urged the public to focus on the progress made in Rivers State under his leadership, including efforts to improve security, boost the economy, and ensure peace and harmony across the state. He emphasized that his administration has been working tirelessly to address the state’s challenges, particularly security issues, which have been a source of concern for many residents.
Governor Fubara’s strong rebuttal of Nwaeke’s claims comes at a time when tensions in the state have been high, particularly regarding security and political stability. The governor has faced growing criticism from opposition groups, including some factions within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who have accused his administration of failing to address security issues effectively.
The former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, had made the statements during an exclusive interview on Channels Television. In the interview, Nwaeke made several claims about the governor’s alleged involvement in political maneuvering and his relationship with militants. However, these allegations have been widely rejected by Fubara, who has called for an immediate end to what he describes as “baseless and misleading claims.”
Dr. Nwaeke, who served as the Head of Service in Rivers State, was removed from office earlier this year, a development that added fuel to the already simmering tensions between him and the Fubara administration. His departure from the government was followed by a period of political infighting, with Nwaeke reportedly aligning himself with rival factions within the state’s political establishment.
The allegations made by Nwaeke are believed to be part of a larger political struggle within Rivers State, where competing interests and power struggles have been a longstanding issue. Governor Fubara’s administration has been focused on rebuilding and stabilizing the state after years of political and security challenges, including militancy and criminal activities, which have been particularly prevalent in the Niger Delta region.
In his statement, Fubara called for unity among the people of Rivers State, stressing that false claims and political attacks would only serve to undermine the state’s progress. He appealed to the public to disregard divisive rhetoric and focus on the positive strides being made in governance and development.
The governor’s office has since intensified efforts to address security challenges in the state, working closely with federal security agencies to combat militancy and criminal activities that have plagued the region for years. Additionally, the administration has been focused on improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education to ensure that Rivers State remains a hub of economic growth in the Niger Delta.
Governor Fubara’s administration has also placed a strong highlight on peacebuilding and conflict resolution, particularly in the face of the rising tensions and political unrest in the state. The governor has consistently expressed his commitment to ensuring that Rivers State remains a safe and prosperous place for all its citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
As the political drama in Rivers State continues to unfold, many are closely watching how the situation will develop. Governor Fubara’s rejection of Nwaeke’s claims is just one chapter in the ongoing battle for political control in the state, and it remains to be seen how the public will react to these allegations and the governor’s response.
