In a swift and forceful response to allegations leveled by former Head of Service, Dr. George Nweke, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has categorically dismissed the claims as “false” and the product of political manipulation, Africa Update reports.
The governor’s statement, released in the wake of Nweke’s televised press briefing, addressed the former official’s assertions regarding alleged plans to support Bala Mohammed’s presidential ambitions and incite attacks on oil pipelines. Fubara labeled Nweke’s claims as “laughable” and “ludicrous,” asserting that the former Head of Service was never privy to any high-level political meetings or clandestine gatherings with militants.
“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.”
He specifically refuted Nweke’s claim of witnessing night meetings with Governor Bala Mohammed, emphasising that the Bauchi State Governor’s visits to Rivers State were public knowledge, undertaken in his capacity as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum. Furthermore, Fubara vehemently denied any involvement in plans to destabilize the state through attacks on oil pipelines, stressing his consistent advocacy for peace, even amidst “obvious provocations.”
The governor’s strongly worded statement reads: IGNORE NWAEKE’S FALSE CLAIMS
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.
His Excellency,
Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
Governor of Rivers State
