George Nwaeke, the recently resigned Head of Service (HoS) of Rivers State, has publicly accused the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of widespread misappropriation of public funds.
During a press briefing held on Saturday, Nwaeke stated that the level of alleged theft under Fubara’s leadership is “mind-boggling.” He asserted that he possesses evidence to support his claims and is prepared to share it with relevant security agencies when called upon.
“I cannot also give all my evidence to the media, some are sensitive. I will give details to the proper authorities when required of me,” Nwaeke told reporters.
“The level of stealing of public funds and assets witnessed in the last two years is mind-boggling. I have never experienced it in the history of the state as we also had the highest allocation ever within this period.”
Background of Allegations
Nwaeke’s accusations follow a press conference on Friday in Abuja where he alleged that Governor Fubara instructed his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to set fire to the Rivers State House of Assembly. He claimed to have witnessed a bag of money being handed over to Ehie for this purpose at the Government House, although he did not know the exact amount.
Governor Fubara has since dismissed Nwaeke’s claims, suggesting that the former HoS has been “compromised” and coerced into making false statements against him.
Adding another layer to the controversy, Florence Nwaeke, George Nwaeke’s wife, reported on Friday evening that she had lost contact with her husband after his initial press conference and suggested he had been kidnapped and forced to speak under duress.
However, George Nwaeke later released a short video refuting his wife’s claims, stating that he was safe and sound and had not been kidnapped.
Nwaeke Defends His Allegations and Independence
In his latest press briefing, Nwaeke reiterated that his initial statements were not made under duress and criticized Governor Fubara for not directly addressing the allegation of plotting to bomb the assembly complex.
He also addressed claims that he had been compromised. “If at all I could be compromised, it should not have been my benefactor who appointed me as head of service. I have never been compromised,” Nwaeke asserted.
He clarified that his wife could not speak on his behalf regarding matters of the state’s civil service. He suggested she might have been threatened to make her earlier statements to the press.
The unfolding accusations from the former Head of Service are likely to further escalate the political tensions in Rivers State.
Former Rivers HoS Vows to Share Evidence of Alleged Public Funds Misappropriation Under Fubara with Security Agencies
