George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of Rivers State, has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of mismanaging state funds during his tenure, which has lasted less than two years.
Speaking over the weekend, Nwaeke described the alleged financial irregularities as “mind-boggling” and pledged to provide evidence to security agencies when required.
“I cannot disclose all my evidence to the media, as some of it is sensitive. However, I will present the details to the appropriate authorities when necessary,” he stated.
“The amount of public funds and assets misused in the last two years is unprecedented, especially given that the state received record-high allocations during this period.”
At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Nwaeke also accused Governor Fubara of ordering his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to set fire to the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“I was at the Government House when a bag of money was given to Edison for that operation, though I do not know the exact amount inside,” he alleged.
Governor Fubara has denied all accusations, claiming that Nwaeke has been “compromised” and is being “pressured” to make false statements.
Meanwhile, Nwaeke’s wife, Florence, told reporters on Friday evening that she had lost contact with her husband after he spoke publicly about the political crisis in Rivers State.
She claimed he had been kidnapped and that his statements were made under duress.
However, Nwaeke later released a video denying his wife’s claims, insisting that he was safe and that his allegations against the governor were made willingly.
“After my press conference, I saw a video of my wife claiming I was kidnapped and forced to speak. That is untrue. My wife cannot speak for me on civil service matters when I am healthy and mentally sound,” he said, suggesting that she might have been pressured to make her statement.
He also criticized Governor Fubara for failing to directly address the accusation that he was behind the assembly attack.
“I listened to the governor’s response, and I am surprised he did not deny my claim about the assembly attack, which was the main issue. Instead, he focused on other matters,” Nwaeke noted.
Dismissing claims that he was influenced, Nwaeke maintained that his statements were based on personal knowledge and conviction.
“If I were to be compromised, it certainly wouldn’t be by the person who appointed me as Head of Service. I have never been compromised,” he concluded.
