In a startling revelation, former Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, has accused suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of orchestrating the October 2023 fire that gutted the Rivers State House of Assembly complex.
Nwaeke, who recently resigned from his position, made the explosive claim during an interview on Channels Television, alleging that the attack was a deliberate move to prevent Fubara’s impeachment.
“I can no longer stay silent,” Nwaeke declared. “The fire was not accidental; it was a carefully planned operation sanctioned at the highest level.”
The Assembly complex went up in flames on October 29, 2023, amid escalating tensions between Fubara and lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The incident happened just before an expected impeachment proceeding against the governor.
Nwaeke Claims Firsthand Knowledge of the Plot
Contradicting official reports that blamed the fire on an electrical fault, Nwaeke claimed he had firsthand knowledge of the plot and hinted at possessing evidence.
“As Head of Service at the time, I was next in command when the governor was suspended. I know what happened,” he insisted.
He further alleged that Fubara’s Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, carried out the attack under direct orders from the governor.
“That night, Edison was at the Government House with two others, including Chijioke, a former Obio/Akpor LGA chairman. I saw a bag of money being handed to Edison for the operation,” Nwaeke alleged.
He challenged Fubara to an open confrontation, vowing to reveal more details.
Government Dismisses Allegations as Baseless
“I nearly resigned the next day out of fear, but I knew the power a sitting governor wields. He was aware that I knew everything and was uncomfortable with the deception,” Nwaeke stated.
However, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, dismissed Nwaeke’s claims as “the rantings of a disgruntled former employee.”
With these allegations adding a new twist to the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, all eyes are now on Fubara and other key figures for their response.
