More Trouble Ahead For Fubara As Tension Heightens in Rivers
There are emerging indications that more troubles may be awaiting the suspended governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, whose tormentors seem to be plotting more dangerous actions against him, some of which may be to get his close allies arrested based on revelations from the immediate past head of service, George Nwaeke.
On Friday night, in what has generally been described as a stage-managed press conference in an undisclosed hotel, Nweke was seen giving account of how the state house of assembly was demolished on the orders of Fubara and also spoke of the governor’s chief of staff led the action.
But before he started reading the prepared text, a voice was heard on the background telling him to address the press from the text given to him, a development that has made people believe that Nweke, a known ally of Fubara, may have been coerced to do what he did.
TNN learnt that in the coming days, Fubara’s chief of staff, Edison Ehie may be arrested and made to answer questions based on the confessions of the former head of service regarding the demolished house of assembly complex and funds alleged to have been mismanaged in the Government House before Fubara’s exit form the seat of power.
Apart from Ehie, TNN learnt that the drag net may also be extend to catch up other persons that played prominent roles in the Fubara government.
It was gathered that part of the agenda is to ensure that the emergency rule regime in the state is extended after the first six months, based on the Nwaeke revelations. But it was not clear if there are plans to strip him of the immunity he is currently enjoying so that he can be arrested based on the allegations against him by the former head of office.
The Nweke Suspicious Broadcast
For example, he was repeatedly seen trying to go through the script, flipping from page to page as if to familiarise himself with the script before reading same. Strangely too, there was only one microphone in front of him, even though the scene was supposed to be a press conference, another indication that somethings were not right.
TNN also observed that no journalist’s face or the face of any other person was shown throughout the duration of the press conference, even though voices were heard from the background and some people’s legs flashed before Nweke started reading the text, looking uncomfortable from start to finish.
The grammatical blunders and incoherent presentation were other flags that gave room for suspicion that Nweke may not have been the author of the script he read, compared with the script he was said to have posted on the Whatsapp platform of permanent secretaries in the state, just before he left office as head of office.
At the press conference, Nweke said: My dear people of Rivers State, I address you today with humility and a deep sense of responsibility as your former Head of Service. I was appointed to this role by the suspended Governor, Siminilayi Fubara, and I sincerely thank him for the opportunity to serve.
“Given the widespread misinformation in the media, I want to set the record straight: I was neither sacked nor forced to resign. I stepped down voluntarily, from the depth of my heart. However, as a key figure in this administration who worked closely with Governor Fubara, I cannot remain silent about critical issues that have affected—and may continue to affect—our state if this trajectory persists.
“Firstly, I commend Mr. President for his swift intervention in the Rivers State crisis, particularly through the declaration of a state of emergency, which was approved by the National Assembly. As Head of Service, I was next in line after the Governor’s suspension, so I speak as an insider. Without this intervention, Nigeria could have faced severe economic sabotage, and Rivers State might have descended into chaos.
“The trouble began with the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex on Moscow Road. I was present in Government House when Governor Fubara instructed his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to carry out this act to thwart his impeachment. That evening, Edison, along with two others—including Chijioke, the former Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA—received a bag of money for the operation. I don’t know the exact amount, but I witnessed the exchange. I challenge Governor Fubara to an open confrontation on this matter, where I will provide further details. The next day, I nearly resigned but hesitated, fearing the Governor’s power and knowing he was aware of my discomfort with his actions and his pretense of innocence.
“Another plot emerged to demolish the residential quarters of Assembly members. This was only prevented by a press conference held by Rivers youths, elders, and National Assembly members at the site. Later, the Governor admitted to me that he regretted not destroying the Assembly’s new sitting hall earlier, expressing surprise at its beauty. I was stunned—how could a leader intent on governing his people destroy state assets and waste public funds on an ego-driven conflict?
“I urge stakeholders who have criticized the state of emergency to reconsider their stance. They see only the surface. Without the President’s proactive steps, the sinister plans being hatched could have harmed countless people. While I thank Mr. President for the six-month state of emergency, I plead with him to remain vigilant about Rivers State, as much remains unresolved under Governor Fubara’s watch.
“One incident that led to my exit occurred when the Governor told me he intended to use the Ijaw community to influence Nigeria’s next presidential election. When I asked how—by votes or other means—he replied that, as Chief Security Officer of Rivers State, with his brother controlling Bayelsa State, they oversaw the pipelines. He claimed that “at the appropriate time,” he would “tell the boys what to do,” and funding was no issue. This echoed a public statement he made, hinting at a looming plan. He boasted of being the “David” to topple the “Goliath” of Rivers State, claiming support from influential figures like Dr. Peter Odili and his family, who would leverage their judicial and university connections.
“The strategy involved targeting non-Ijaw areas first—Ogoni, Oyibo, and Ahoada—with oil facility bombings to mask Ijaw involvement and create a statewide crisis. This, he believed, would destabilize President Tinubu’s government, paving the way for a new president and an Ijaw vice president. The media would be swayed with hefty payments for airtime and by enlisting influencers and critics. I know the risks of this revelation, but I speak to clear my conscience and warn those unwittingly manipulated by this agenda.
“I grew uneasy staying overnight at Government House when Governor Bala Mohammed and other stakeholders began late-night visits. After one such visit, Fubara told me he’d back Mohammed or another northerner for president, with discussions ongoing. What troubled me more was the vast state resources he lavished on these guests. I also call on the Nigeria Labour Congress to caution its Rivers State chapter chairman, whose private meetings with the Governor—complete with generous payouts—threaten to politicize the union.
“More alarming were the Governor’s meetings with his Chief of Staff and militant leaders. Though I wasn’t privy to the details, each session ended with large cash payments to attendees.
“The state of emergency has benefited Rivers people and Nigerians, not Governor Fubara or Minister Wike. I urge the Sole Administrator to stay vigilant, as I know of ongoing plans to undermine stability, evident in the orchestrated media attacks and public outcry against Mr. President and the National Assembly.
“Those who cherish democracy and humanity will always defend them. Mr. President, by your actions, you have safeguarded both in Rivers State. I can now rest with a clear conscience.
Nweke’s Wife Burst the Bubble
And back home in his house in Port Harcourt, his wife, Mrs Florence, is recorded to have reached out to Fubara, pleading with him to find a way to bring back her husband, whom she suspected may have been kidnapped and taken to Abuja to act some people’s script against the governor.
She kept mentioning the name of a former commissioner in the state, Prof Itotenaan Henry Ogiri, as having invited her husband to Abuja on Friday, saying she was unable to reach her husband after he had told her that he arrived Abuja safely.
In her telephone conversation with Fubara, she lamented that she was shocked that her husband said all the things that have been attributed to him against the governor and expressed the suspicion that her husband may have been forced to act a script.
Amidst tears, Nweke’s wife called out Ogiri, repeatedly urging him to being her husband back to him.
But Ogiri, a known ally of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has already denied all the allegations levelled against him by Nweke’s wife, saying that he was in Port Harcourt as at Friday and could not have played the role as alleged by Nweke’s wife.
Ogiri Denies Allegations
On Saturday morning, Ogiri released a press statement denying all the allegations and insinuations made by Nweke’s wife. He said “early this morning, the 29th of March 2025, my attention was drawn to a viral social media video in which the wife of the recently resigned Head of Service of Rivers State Government alleged that her husband is missing and may have been held hostage.
“Of note is the fact that the woman in the viral video was accusing me of putting a call from Abuja across to her husband and had asked that the husband come over to Abuja so can discuss some certain matters. She even alleged that I offered to pay for the flight ticket of the husband. (Who is supposed to pay for whose ticket? ).
“More worrying is the fact that the woman is asking her interviewers to tell Ogiri from Abua to bring her husband back to her. Nothing can be further from the truth.
“Let me state clearly that:
1. That was a poorly rehearsed theatrics
2. While Dr George Nwaeke is my friend and a professional colleague, we have only spoken once since I left the Rivers State cabinet in November 2023. I think that should be late last year or early this year.
3. I came to PH from Abuja on the 28th of February 2025 (the date the Supreme Court gave judgment on Rivers State) and haven’t travelled out of Rivers State till date. I have been working at our PH office while also preparing for the burial of my foster father, which took place last Saturday, 22nd of March 2025.
4. I haven’t spoken with Dr George Nwaeke since the Supreme Court judgment. And if this allegation was from Dr. George Nwaeke himself, then I would have viewed this from a different perspective.
“However, thank God telephone service providers are able to provide call logs as well as conversations thereon. And airlines are also able to provide evidence to contradict my claim of haven’t travelled out of Rivers State in the last one month.
“ While we await to see how the unfolding drama and tissue of lies play out, I urge my relatives, friends, supporters, associates, leaders, and the general public to be rest assured that the truth shall be unveiled in no time.”
Reacting to the unfolding drama, Ezebunwo Ichemati, immediate past chairman of the Port Harcourt Local Government expressed the fear that more trouble was on the way in Rivers State, going by what Nwaeke’s wife had said.
Hear him: “In the video, you can clearly see a visibly shaking woman openly stating how her husband was intimidated and falsely accused into submission.
“This is where we have found ourselves as a State. Where if it’s not WIKE, then the State should be grounded, and anybody who refuses to be used by WIKE against Governor Fubara or decide to have a dissenting voice reasoning should be incapacitated or be bought over via intimidation and subjugation, which leaves one with no option but forceful submission.
“Wike and his team can go any length to drive home their false and make believe narrative, just as they have done with the abduction of the husband of MRS FLORENCE NAWAEKE, all in their bid to capture Rivers State.
“The names mentioned in the video, as those who called her husband to threaten and falsely accuse him into submission through abduction, should as a matter of fact be arrested and investigations carried out.”
Fubara Speaks
From his private residence, Fubara on Saturday reacted to the broadcast made by Nwaeke and urged members of the public to disregard everything they heard. He siad they were tissues of lies concocted by his opponents to bring him down.
He said: “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.
What Nwaeke Said About Fubara Before Quitting Office
Comments by Nwaeke, just before leaving office as head office tend to show a sharp departure in context, language and content with the now controversial Friday night’s text of press conference which he read. “I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation for the cooperation, support, and camaraderie you’ve shown me during my tenure as Head of Service. It’s been an absolute privilege to work alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals.
“I must say, it’s a blessing from God Almighty that I’ve been able to work and retire alive and healthy. My journey through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable, and I’m thankful for the experience and knowledge gained.
“As Generals of the Civil Service, I urge you to continue striving for excellence. Every General must know the art of war, and in this context, it means being proactive and filling any gaps you may perceive. Let’s work together to ensure that Rivers State remains a beacon of excellence and a leader among states in Nigeria.
“My decision to resign is a personal one, driven by my desire to facilitate a peaceful transition and reconciliation process in our beloved state. As a conspicuous figure in the last administration, I recognized that my continued presence could be viewed in certain quarters as creating an undue advantage for one side, knowing that I am an unrepentant supporter of His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS. After careful consideration, I chose to step down, allowing the new Administrator to demonstrate sincerity and unbiased leadership.
“This decision was not taken lightly, but I believe it’s essential for the greater good of Rivers State. I’m proud to have served our state, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to make a positive impact.
“Please know that I’m committed to supporting the Acting Head of Service, and I urge you all to extend your support and respect to enable her success in her new role.
“Since the news of my resignation was made public, I’ve received an overwhelming number of visits, calls, and messages expressing deep concern. I appreciate these gestures of care, concern, and love. Rest assured, I’ll maintain my personal relationships with each of you, and there’s no need to worry.
“As you move forward, I remind you that our state’s interest should always come first, in line with His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS’s slogan, “Rivers First.” It’s crucial that you defend our state’s interests and uphold the confidence the Rivers people have placed in you.
“This will be my final post on this platform, and I’ll be honourably exiting thereafter. Thank you all immensely for everything. May God bless and guide us as we continue to work towards a brighter future for Rivers State.”
