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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State has escalated dramatically with former Head of Service, George Nweke, making serious accusations against Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and Governor Diri Doye of Bayelsa State.
Nweke alleged that the two governors are responsible for the recent pipeline explosions in both states. He also accused Fubara of orchestrating the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, with the assistance of his Chief of Staff.
These allegations surfaced in a widely circulated video on Saturday where Nweke claimed that Fubara’s aides are plotting to destroy government property within the state.
Nweke clarified his departure from office, stating, “Amidst the deluge of misinformation in print and electronic media, I wish to set the record straight. I was neither dismissed nor pressured to resign; my resignation was a voluntary decision made from the heart.”
He further explained, “As an insider and a key participant in this administration, having worked closely with Siminalayi Fubara, I feel obligated to address critical issues that have impacted or will impact our state if we continue on this path.”
The ex– Head of Service expressed gratitude to the President for intervening in the Rivers State crisis, particularly the emergency rule declared and ratified by the National Assembly.
“I speak from an insider’s perspective. Without the President’s intervention, Nigeria would have suffered severe economic sabotage, and Rivers State would have been engulfed in chaos, ” Nweke said.
He detailed his accusations, starting with the Assembly incident: “The crisis began with Governor Siminalayi Fubara directing his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to burn down the House of Assembly to prevent his impeachment.
” That evening, Edison was at the Government House with two others, including the former Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Chijioke. I witnessed a bag of money being handed to Edison for this operation, though I do not know the exact amount.
” I assert that the House of Assembly complex on Moscow Road was destroyed under the direct orders of Governor Fubara, executed by Edison Ehie. I challenge them to a public confrontation to elaborate on this.”
Nweke continued, “The day after the incident, I nearly resigned, but I feared the power of a sitting governor. He knew I was aware of the plan and disturbed by his actions and feigned innocence.”
He also alleged a subsequent attempt to destroy the Assembly members’ residential quarters, which was thwarted by public intervention from Rivers youths, elders, and National Assembly members.
“Later, Fubara told me he regretted not demolishing their hall before targeting their residences, as he was unaware of the hall’s existence. This shocked me. How could a leader destroy state assets and waste public funds on a personal vendetta?,” he asked.
Nweke criticized those who condemned the declared state of emergency, urging them to reconsider.
“They only see the surface. The President’s proactive measures prevented potentially disastrous outcomes. While I appreciate the six-month state of emergency, I implore the President to remain vigilant in Rivers State, as many concerning activities continue.”
He then revealed a pivotal factor in his departure: “Governor Fubara informed me of plans to use the Ijaws to determine the next Nigerian president. When I inquired about the method, he stated that as the Chief Security Officer of Rivers State, with his brother controlling Bayelsa State and the pipelines, they would direct their ‘boys’ accordingly, with ample funding. This context gave his public statement, ‘I will tell the boys what to do at the appropriate time,’ a sinister meaning.”
Governors Fubara has since denied these claims, accusing Nweke of peddling falsehood.