Yemi Obafemi
Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has refuted claims made by former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, dismissing them as false and politically motivated.
In a statement issued in response to Nwaeke’s press briefing aired on Channels Television on March 28, Governor Fubara described the allegations as laughable and misleading, urging the public to disregard them.
Addressing the claim that he was involved in secret meetings to support Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, for a 2027 presidential bid, Fubara stated that such assertions were baseless. “Dr. Nwaeke, as a Head of Service, was never part of any high-level political discussions. It is absurd to suggest he attended any alleged night meetings involving myself, Bala Mohammed, or militants,” he said.
The statement reads: “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.”
