The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State are at odds over the serious allegations made against the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The accusations, made by Dr. George Nwaeke, a former Head of Service in the state, have sparked intense debate between the two major political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dr. Nwaeke, who recently resigned from Fubara’s administration, claimed that the governor was involved in orchestrating the bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex in 2023.
According to him, this act was meant to prevent lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from impeaching Fubara.
He further alleged that he personally witnessed a bag of money being given to a former Assembly leader, Edison Ehie, who later became Fubara’s Chief of Staff, to carry out the attack.
Beyond this, Nwaeke accused Governor Fubara of planning to sabotage oil facilities in the Niger Delta to create political instability and damage the image of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He stated that the governor had made it clear that he had control over the region’s oil pipelines and could instruct local groups on when to act.
Nwaeke also alleged that the governor was working with certain national opposition figures to support a Northern candidate, possibly Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, in the 2027 presidential election.
Following these claims, his wife, Mrs. Florence Nwaeke, expressed concern for his safety, suggesting that he might have been forced to make the statements.
The PDP in Rivers State has dismissed Nwaeke’s allegations, insisting that they are politically motivated. Sydney Gbara, the party’s Publicity Secretary, argued that Nwaeke was being used by Fubara’s political enemies.
He questioned why Nwaeke remained in the government while these alleged incidents occurred, only speaking up after resigning.
Gbara said, “He was in the government when all that he alleged happened. Why didn’t he resign that time if what he is saying is true?” He further claimed that Nwaeke had held multiple press conferences in a short time, seemingly in an effort to damage Fubara’s reputation.
He added that unless Nwaeke could provide concrete evidence to support his claims, his statements should not be taken seriously.
On the other hand, the APC has taken a different stance, calling for security agencies to investigate the allegations thoroughly. The party’s spokesman, Ikenga Chibike, noted that Nwaeke, as a former high-ranking government official, might have inside knowledge of events.
Chibike stated, “All the allegations he made must be taken seriously and considered to ascertain to what extent it happened.” He added that Nwaeke is known as a responsible man, making it unlikely that he would fabricate such serious claims.
The APC stressed that the security agencies must act swiftly to determine the truth behind the allegations.
