The former Head of Service of Rivers State, George Nwaeke, has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of misappropriating public funds during his tenure. In a statement made over the weekend, Nwaeke described the alleged financial mismanagement as “mind-boggling” and pledged to provide evidence to security operatives when required.
"I cannot disclose all my evidence to the media as some are sensitive. I will present the details to the proper authorities when necessary," Nwaeke said. "The level of public funds and assets misappropriated in the last two years is unprecedented, especially considering that the state received the highest allocations during this period."
During a press conference on Friday in Abuja, Nwaeke further alleged that Governor Fubara had directed his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly. "I 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 claimed.
In response to the allegations, Governor Fubara dismissed the accusations, calling Nwaeke “compromised” and alleging that he was being "coerced" to make false claims.
Meanwhile, Nwaeke’s wife, Florence, spoke to journalists on Friday evening, stating that she had lost contact with her husband after his statements about the political crisis in Rivers State. She alleged that he had been kidnapped and that his interview was conducted under duress.
However, Nwaeke refuted his wife’s claims in a short video response, stating that he was safe and had not been abducted. "That is untrue. My wife cannot speak for me on civil service matters when I am healthy and mentally sound," he said, suggesting that his wife may have been coerced into making her statement.
Nwaeke also criticized Governor Fubara for not addressing the main issue regarding the alleged attack on the state assembly. "I am surprised he did not deny my allegations regarding the assembly attack. Instead, he focused on other matters," Nwaeke remarked.
Dismissing claims that he had been influenced, Nwaeke concluded, "If I were to be compromised, it would certainly not be by my benefactor who appointed me as Head of Service. I have never been compromised."
