My Statements Against Fubara Not Made Under Duress, Says Ex-Rivers Head Of Service

Former Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke has dismissed claims that he was kidnapped and forced to make statements against the suspended state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

In a video released on Saturday morning, Nwaeke refuted allegations made by his wife, Florence, who had raised alarm over his whereabouts following his resignation earlier in the week.

Contrary to Florence’s claims, Nwaeke stated that he voluntarily travelled to Abuja to report himself to security agencies regarding recent political developments in Rivers State.

“I am in TRANSCORP Abuja. I arrived this morning from Port Harcourt to meet security agencies and report myself, as well as the troubling events happening in Rivers State. I resigned as Head of Service on Monday because of these developments,” he said.

He also dismissed his wife’s fears, attributing them to misinformation.

“I just saw a video of my wife trending. She was told I had been kidnapped and given a script to read. I want to make it clear—I am not kidnapped. I am in Abuja, working.

“When I was Head of Service, my wife was not involved in my official duties. That script she read is null and void. I am safe and sound. I will report myself to the appropriate security agencies because Abuja houses their headquarters, and I feel safer making my report here.”

LEADERSHIP reports that on Friday, Florence Nwaeke expressed deep concern over her husband’s safety. She revealed that while he had called to confirm his arrival in Abuja, she became suspicious after watching an online interview with him.

“I said, ‘That is not my husband. That is not my husband,” she recalled.

She described her frantic attempts to reach him, stating, “I sent him a message: ‘Are you under duress? Have they kidnapped you? Talk to me now. Why are you not responding?’ But he didn’t reply. His numbers are not going through. Nigerians, help me!”

Florence’s concerns heightened after her husband publicly accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of orchestrating the 2023 bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent his impeachment.

Responding to the allegations, suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara accused Nwaeke of being compromised and making false statements under pressure.

In a statement personally signed by him, Fubara described Nwaeke’s claims as “laughable,” particularly the assertion that he was privy to secret political and security discussions.

“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,” Fubara stated.

The suspended governor also dismissed claims that he orchestrated attacks on oil pipelines and other national assets.

“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.”

Fubara urged Nigerians to disregard Nwaeke’s statements, suggesting that he was acting under external influence.

“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 unfolding drama has added another layer to the already tense political climate in Rivers State.