The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has dismissed claims made by former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, during a press briefing aired on Channels Television on Friday, March 28, 2025.
In a statement, Fubara described Nwaeke’s allegations as baseless and misleading, warning that they could create unnecessary disaffection within the state and beyond.
Addressing Nwaeke’s claim that he was privy to discussions and plans supporting Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s alleged 2027 presidential bid, Fubara stated that such assertions were “laughable.” He argued that as a civil servant, Nwaeke would not have been involved in high-level political meetings, let alone the alleged night meetings with Governor Mohammed and militants. “There were no such meetings,” he said, adding that Governor Mohammed’s visit to Rivers State as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum was public knowledge and had no clandestine motive.
Fubara also dismissed allegations that he held meetings encouraging attacks on oil pipelines and national assets in the state. He reaffirmed his commitment to peace and stability, stating that he has consistently advocated for calm even in times of provocation.
“The truth is that Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised,” Fubara asserted, suggesting that Nwaeke’s claims were influenced by external forces seeking to undermine his reputation and disrupt the ongoing peace efforts championed by President Bola Tinubu.
He urged Nigerians, particularly the people of Rivers State, to disregard Nwaeke’s statements, describing them as desperate attempts to discredit his administration and destabilize the region.
FULL STATEMENT:
IGNORE NWAEKE’S FALSE CLAIMS
My attention has been drawn to a press briefing by the former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke aired on Channels Television on Friday the 28th of March 2025.
Ordinarily, I would not have responded to his claims, but to correct the erroneous impression such allegations may create in the minds of the people, and the disaffection it is bound to cause in the state and the country.
First, on the claim that he was aware of my discussions and plans to support Bala Mohammed’s alleged 2027 presidential bid, it is laughable that Dr. Nwaeke would be part of any high level political meeting as Head of Service, much more sitting in my alleged night meetings with Bala Mohammed and militants like he claimed. Howbeit, none of such meetings ever held.
The truth is that the whole world knew when the Bauchi State Governor, as Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum visited the State, and there was nothing secret about the visits.
It is also ludicrous for Dr. Nwaeke to claim that he was aware of my meetings to encourage attacks on oil pipelines and other National assets in the State, as there was no time I held any meeting with militants or any criminal group to destabilise the State.
It is on record that I have been at the forefront preaching peace in the State even in the face of obvious provocations.
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.
I call on all well meaning Nigerians and the good people of Rivers State to disregard everything said by Dr. Nwaeke as they are mere desperate attempts to discredit me and my administration, and undermine the peace process by Mr. President.
