PDP Demands Evidence in Fubara Allegations, While APC Calls for Full Investigation

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State have expressed differing opinions on the serious allegations made against the suspended Governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara.

DAILY POST recalls that the former Head of Service in Rivers State, Dr. George Nwaeke, caused a political stir in the state on Saturday when he made serious allegations against the embattled governor. Nwaeke, who recently resigned from Fubara’s administration, claimed that the governor was behind the bombing of the State House of Assembly complex in 2023, aimed at preventing his impeachment by lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Nwaeke alleged that he witnessed a bag of money being handed over to a former leader of the Assembly, who later became Fubara’s Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to orchestrate the attack on the Assembly Complex located on Moscow Road in Port Harcourt. Additionally, Nwaeke claimed that Fubara was planning to bomb oil facilities in the Niger Delta to create problems for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to Nwaeke, Fubara had explicitly told him, “I am the chief security officer of Rivers State, and my brother is in charge of Bayelsa State, and all the pipelines are under our control; at the right time, we will instruct the boys on what to do, and the funds are not an issue.” Nwaeke said that this statement led him to believe something was being planned, especially when Fubara later publicly stated, “I will tell the boys what to do at the appropriate time.” Nwaeke also alleged that Fubara’s plan was to start from non-Ijaw-speaking areas to destroy oil facilities, creating the appearance of a statewide attack.

Furthermore, Nwaeke claimed that Fubara had secretly met with national opposition figures to support a Northern candidate, possibly Bala Mohammed, for the 2027 election.

Meanwhile, Nwaeke’s wife, Mrs. Florence Nwaeke, also expressed concern, claiming her husband was in danger and may have been coerced into making the allegations. Speaking to journalists, Mrs. Nwaeke expressed fear for her husband's safety, suggesting that he could be under duress.

The allegations have sparked a significant political debate, with supporters of both Fubara and Wike clashing online.

In separate interviews with DAILY POST over the weekend, Sydney Gbara, the public secretary of the PDP, and Ikenga Chibike, his APC counterpart, offered contrasting views on the matter.

PDP: Nwaeke Must Provide Proof, He’s Being Used

Sydney Gbara told DAILY POST that the allegations against Fubara were politically motivated. He urged Nwaeke to substantiate his claims with proof, arguing that Nwaeke was simply being used by Fubara’s political enemies to further harm the suspended governor.

Gbara said, “Rivers State is going through a turbulent and challenging time. Politics has infiltrated nearly every aspect of life here. Ordinarily, one could ask why a man who served as Head of Service is now making these accusations. Nwaeke was supposed to serve under Wike, but Wike refused to appoint him, opting for someone else. After retiring from active service, Fubara gave him the opportunity, but this is how he repays the governor?”

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He continued, “It’s shocking to see him come out with such allegations. I believe there’s a deliberate effort to discredit and victimize innocent citizens. They’re after everyone who is seen as strong in Fubara’s government, aiming to implicate everyone, including the governor.”

Gbara pointed out that Nwaeke was part of the government during the events he now accuses Fubara of orchestrating. “Why didn’t he resign at the time if he truly believed what was happening was wrong? He stayed in the government without issue until now, when he feels the governor’s political career is over.”

He added, “Nwaeke has held multiple press conferences in less than 12 hours, trying to damage-control the situation he’s put himself in. If he has proof, he should present it to the public. This is pure desperation. We’re not concerned about such outbursts because we know it won’t achieve anything. He’s been used, and that’s the end of it. No one will take him seriously.”

APC: Allegations Must Be Taken Seriously and Investigated

On the other hand, Ikenga Chibike, spokesperson for the APC faction led by Chief Tony Okocha, stated that the allegations were too serious to be ignored, urging security agencies to take action.

Chibike said, “These are very serious allegations. The Head of Service is a member of the State Executive Council and an important figure in the Rivers State government. All the claims made by Nwaeke must be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.”

He continued, “Nwaeke is a responsible man, and we believe he wouldn’t make such claims without basis. We are deeply concerned and disturbed by the allegations, and we feel the security agencies should act accordingly to investigate the matter.”

Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has dismissed the allegations, claiming that Nwaeke has been compromised.