The various criminal allegations Rivers ex-Head of Service, George Nwaeke made against suspended Governor of the State, Siminalayi Fubara has drawn reaction from the latter.
Nwaeke whose wife, Florence claimed was kidnapped and made the anti-Fubara remarks under duress had said in an interview that the petrol pipeline bombing on the eve of the governor’s suspension was masterminded by the governor himself.
He also accused Fubara’s Chief of Staff, Ederson Ehie, of being behind the burning of the State House of Assembly.
Dismissing the allegation, Fubara said it’s not in his nature to react to such claim but he was obliged by the effect it may have on undiscerning minds.
“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 governor said.
Speaking further: “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.”
Attached to his response was a screenshot of alleged chats between Mr Nwaeke and the governor’s Chief of Staff, Ederson Ehie.
Some of the chats suggested that Nwaeke made financial support requests from Ehie.
