Fubara denies allegations of political crisis, blasts ex-head of service

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed allegations made against him by George Nwaeke, the former head of service (HoS) of the state, describing them as “laughable” and “desperate attempts” to tarnish his image.

Nwaeke, who resigned from his position on Tuesday, accused Fubara of masterminding the political crisis in the state and claimed the governor held meetings with militants to encourage the destruction of oil pipelines.

Reacting in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) early on Saturday, Fubara said the former HoS has been “compromised” and is being “coerced” to lie against him.

“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,” Fubara stated.

The suspended governor refuted allegations that he supported Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s alleged 2027 presidential bid, describing them as “laughable.”

"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,” Fubara said.

Fubara also dismissed claims of plotting attacks on oil pipelines, emphasizing his commitment to peace in Rivers State.

“It is 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 destabilize the state,” he said.

The suspended governor maintained that he has always promoted peace, even in the face of provocations, and urged residents of Rivers State and Nigerians at large to disregard the allegations.

“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,” Fubara added.

Fubara reiterated that the allegations are desperate efforts to undermine his administration and the peace process initiated by President Bola Tinubu.