George Nwaeke, the former Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, has made startling claims against the administration of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of being involved in a massive theft of public funds. Nwaeke, who served in the Rivers State government, told reporters that he had evidence of the widespread misappropriation of public assets during Fubara’s leadership and vowed to share the information with security operatives when the time comes.
Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, Nwaeke revealed the magnitude of the alleged theft, describing it as unprecedented in the state’s history. He said the level of corruption and mismanagement under the suspended governor’s regime was “mind-boggling.” He also pointed out that, despite the state receiving its highest-ever allocation in the past two years, it was evident that these resources were not used for the benefit of the people.
“I cannot also give all my evidence to the media, as some of it is sensitive. I will provide the details to the proper authorities when required of me,” Nwaeke stated. He emphasized that the situation was unlike anything he had witnessed in the state before, making it clear that he had never seen such a scale of public funds mismanagement.
Nwaeke’s accusations come amid rising tensions surrounding the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s leadership. The former civil service head has accused Fubara of running a corrupt government that engaged in widespread theft, despite the state enjoying an unprecedented allocation of funds during his administration. According to Nwaeke, the stolen public funds were used for personal gain rather than being spent on improving the state or the lives of its citizens.
During the press briefing, Nwaeke was not only focused on the financial mismanagement but also provided details of an explosive claim about an alleged attempt to destroy public property. Nwaeke accused Fubara of directing his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“I was at the government house when a bag of money was handed over to Edison for that operation,” Nwaeke said, referring to the incident. However, he added that he did not know the exact amount of money in the bag at the time of the alleged transaction. The former civil servant’s comments suggest that there may have been an effort to cause further chaos and destruction within the state government’s institutions.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has swiftly denied the serious allegations made by Nwaeke, dismissing them as false claims. In a statement, Fubara accused the former Head of the Rivers State Civil Service of being “compromised” and suggested that Nwaeke had been coerced into making the accusations against him.
Fubara has vehemently rejected the notion of any wrongdoing, especially concerning the allegations about the Rivers House of Assembly and the misappropriation of public funds. He claimed that Nwaeke’s actions were politically motivated and based on personal grievances. Fubara’s response was a direct attack on Nwaeke’s credibility, painting him as someone who had been manipulated or bribed to make false statements.
While Fubara’s defense has attempted to discredit Nwaeke, the accusations are gaining traction in the public sphere. Many are now asking questions about the financial activities of the state under Fubara’s leadership and wondering whether further investigation into these claims will lead to concrete evidence.
Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing regions, has faced numerous challenges over the years, including insecurity, underdevelopment, and corruption. In recent years, public trust in the government has been fragile, with citizens expressing frustration over a perceived lack of progress despite the state’s significant resources.
The allegations of massive theft and corruption under Fubara’s administration come at a time when Nigerians are increasingly demanding transparency and accountability from their elected officials. The rising public outcry over corruption in various state governments, including Rivers, is part of a broader national conversation about the need for political reform and better governance.
The controversy surrounding Fubara’s suspension is just the latest in a series of scandals that have rocked the political leadership of Rivers State. Despite claims of progress and development, many residents of the state have been disappointed by the lack of tangible improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other critical sectors. These factors have fueled skepticism about the true intentions of the state’s leadership.
As Nwaeke promises to provide his evidence to security operatives, there are growing calls for a full investigation into the financial activities of the Rivers State government during Fubara’s time in office. Civil society organizations and local residents are calling for accountability and transparency in the handling of public funds. They argue that such an investigation would help restore public trust and ensure that those responsible for any misappropriation or theft of funds are brought to justice.
The allegations have also raised questions about the role of political leaders in overseeing the proper use of public resources. In a state where oil revenue plays a critical role in its economy, the misuse of funds can have dire consequences for development and the wellbeing of the people.
Moreover, the accusations of an attempt to burn down the state’s House of Assembly have led many to believe that the state’s political landscape may be more volatile than previously thought. These allegations suggest that the political infighting within the state government may go beyond mere disagreements over policy and could involve deeper conflicts and power struggles.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the people of Rivers State are looking for answers. With Nwaeke’s claims potentially shedding light on large-scale corruption, and Fubara’s insistence on his innocence, the coming weeks may see heightened political tensions and further investigations into the actions of the suspended governor’s administration.
The people of Rivers State, alongside concerned Nigerians, are closely watching how this issue is handled. Whether the government takes swift action or allows the matter to be swept under the rug will have lasting implications for the credibility of the political system in the state.
For now, the focus remains on Nwaeke’s promised evidence, and whether it will be enough to trigger a thorough investigation that can provide the people of Rivers State with the truth they are seeking about their former governor’s tenure.
