Rivers ex-HoS accuses Fubara of burning Assembly complex, gov denies

The former Rivers State Head of Service (HoS), George Nwaeke, has accused the suspended governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara, of burning down the State House of Assembly building in the state.

Nwaeke, who recently resigned as HoS, made the accusation at a press conference on Friday, March 28, 2025.

Nwaeke accused Fubara of orchestrating the crisis in Rivers State, saying the suspended governor directed his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to burn down the assembly complex in October 2023.

Nwaeke said Fubara was conniving with militants to blow up oil pipelines in Rivers State, adding that the suspended governor orchestrated the political crisis in the state to avert his impeachment.

The former HoS alleged that he was at the government house “when a bag of money was handed over to Edison for that operation, though I do not know the amount inside.”

He said: “I want to tell Rivers people today (Friday) that the House of Assembly complex in Moscow Road was clearly brought down by Edison Ehie under the instructions of Governor Siminilayi Fubara. I challenge him to an open confrontation and I will throw more light on it.

“A day after that incident, I almost resigned but I was very scared because I know the power of a sitting governor and he knew that I am aware of the whole plan and that I am discomforted with the unconscionable act and deliberate posture of innocence and mien of a sheep.

“Another attempt was also made to destroy the residential quarters of the House of Assembly members if not for the press conference that was made there by Rivers youths, Rivers elders, and National Assembly members, that would have been another barbaric demolition in Rivers State.”

Rivers ex-HoS: I’m not kidnapped

Nwaeke said the emergency rule averted further instability in Rivers State, adding: “No one knows who would have been affected by the sinister plans that were cooking.”

The former HoS further state that he was not sacked or pressured to resign, saying he took the decision willingly “from the depth of my heart”.

Reacting via a statement on Saturday, Fubara described Nwaeke’s comments as “laughable”.

Fubara added that the former HoS has been compromised.

He stated: “My attention has been drawn to a press briefing by the former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke aired on Channels Television on Friday the 28th of March 2025.

“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 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.”

The Star