Former Head of Service Accuses Governor Fubara of Orchestrating Assembly Complex Bombing
Enamuzo Iboma
Former Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke, has ignited controversy with allegations that Governor Siminalayi Fubara was behind the 2023 bombing of the state House of Assembly complex. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Nwaeke accused Fubara of masterminding the attack to derail his impeachment by the faction of the Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, a loyalist of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to Nwaeke, the attack was carried out by militants allegedly operating under the direction of key political figures in the state. He further claimed that Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff had held multiple meetings with militant leaders, during which large sums of money reportedly exchanged hands.
Nwaeke also alleged that Fubara was planning further attacks in various parts of Rivers State, including Ogoni and Oyigbo, to create an impression of widespread insecurity.
The Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council has strongly condemned Nwaeke’s accusations, dismissing them as politically motivated and baseless. Prominent figures within the council have accused him of making the claims under duress.
Anabs Sara-Igbe, a former spokesperson for the Pan Niger Delta Forum, labeled Nwaeke’s allegations as fabricated and an attempt to blackmail Governor Fubara. In an interview, Sara-Igbe remarked, “The former Head of Service is clearly under pressure. His demeanor suggests he is not speaking freely, and many of his claims are outright lies.”
When asked if Nwaeke’s statement constituted blackmail, Sara-Igbe responded, “Yes, it is. You heard his wife speaking in the background. The Head of Service has no role in political affairs.”
Environmental activist and Niger Delta leader, Ann Kio-Briggs, also questioned the credibility of Nwaeke’s claims, pointing to visible signs of stress while he was making the allegations. “You can see a man under immense pressure, reading from a prepared statement and even receiving instructions during his speech,” she noted.
Briggs further alleged that Nwaeke’s accusations were part of a broader political strategy to discredit Governor Fubara. “This is nothing more than a desperate attempt at blackmail. They may have other plans, but we remain steadfast in our support for Governor Fubara. We urge President Tinubu to see through this smear campaign,” she added.
As the controversy unfolds, political analysts suggest that the allegations are a reflection of the deepening political rift in Rivers State. Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has yet to officially respond to Nwaeke’s claims.
