Rivers State, Nigeria – The political turmoil in Rivers State has taken a new turn as Florence Nwaeke, the wife of former Head of Service George Nwaeke, has publicly raised concerns about her husband’s whereabouts. She alleges that he is being held under duress to make false statements against the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Allegations of Coercion and Forced Statements.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Mrs. Nwaeke expressed distress after learning about her husband’s interview circulating online.
“This morning, people started calling to tell me that my husband granted an interview,” she said. “So when I saw the interview online, I sent him a message and asked if he was under duress or was kidnapped. He didn’t reply to me. His numbers are not going through. Nigerians, help me—my husband is in trouble.”
Her claims have fueled speculations surrounding the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which has seen allegations of financial misconduct, forced resignations, and accusations of state-sponsored violence.
N15 Billion Scandal and Resignation Under Pressure.
Mrs. Nwaeke provided further details regarding the circumstances that led to her husband’s resignation. She alleged that Mr. Nwaeke was pressured to sign documents relating to a controversial N15 billion allegedly funneled to Governor Fubara from Abuja. When he refused, he chose to step down rather than be complicit.
“Some people said my husband is trying to cover for the governor because they are friends,” she explained. “But he told them he was unaware of any N15 billion and had no involvement in the state’s finances. He made it clear that he was not covering anything up.”
Her statement directly contradicts the interview attributed to Mr. Nwaeke, where he accused the suspended governor of orchestrating the crisis that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Explosive Allegations Against Governor Fubara.
In the now-viral interview, Mr. Nwaeke alleged that Governor Fubara was responsible for the bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He also claimed to have witnessed financial transactions involving a political associate of the governor, Edison Ehie.
“I was there with them when a bag of money was handed over to Edison for that operation, though I do not know the amount inside,” he stated. “I want to tell Rivers people today that the House of Assembly complex in Moscow Road was clearly brought down by Edison Ehie under the instructions of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. I challenge him to an open confrontation.”
According to Mr. Nwaeke, he contemplated resigning immediately after the alleged attack on the House of Assembly but hesitated due to fear of repercussions from the sitting governor.
Governor Fubara’s Rebuttal: Denial and Counter-Accusations.
Responding to the allegations late Friday, Governor Fubara dismissed Mr. Nwaeke’s claims as baseless and politically motivated.
“The truth is that Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised, and whatever he is saying is only aimed at fulfilling his promise to those who may have paid or coerced him to lie against me,” the governor stated.
New Appointments Amid Political Tensions.
Amid the unfolding crisis, Rivers State’s sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, announced Mr. Nwaeke’s resignation on Tuesday. In a swift move, Ibas appointed Iyingi Brown as the new acting Head of Service, signaling a leadership transition as tensions continue to rise.
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With mounting allegations, political realignments, and growing uncertainty over Mr. Nwaeke’s safety, the crisis in Rivers State remains volatile. As key players continue to trade accusations, citizens and political analysts alike await further developments that could shape the state’s political future.
