In a shocking revelation, former Rivers State Head of Service, Dr George Nwaeke, has publicly accused suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of masterminding the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex.
Nwaeke, who resigned from his position last week after serving under Fubara’s administration, made the explosive claim during an exclusive interview on Channels Television on Friday night.
“I can no longer keep silent on what I know,” Nwaeke stated. “The burning of the Assembly complex was not an accident but a deliberate act sanctioned from the very top.”
The historic legislative building was gutted by fire on October 29, 2023, during the peak of the political crisis between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The incident occurred just hours before an impeachment plot against the governor was to be deliberated.
Nwaeke’s allegations directly contradict the official government position which had attributed the fire to an electrical malfunction. The former civil servant hinted at possessing documentary evidence to back his claims but did not provide specifics during the televised interview.
“You will recall that when the governor was suspended, as the head of service, I was the next in command. So I am not speaking from outside, I am speaking as an insider.”
“If not for the intervention of Mr. President, Nigeria would have faced the worst economic sabotage and Rivers State would have been up in flames.”
“First, it all started with the Rivers State House of Assembly where the Governor, Siminilayi Fubara, directed his Chief of Staff (Edison Ehie) to burn down the assembly in a way to avert his impeachment. That evening, Edison was in Government House with two other boys, including the former Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, one Chijioke. I was there with them when a bag of money was handed over to Edison for that operation, though I do not know the amount inside.”
“I want to tell Rivers people today that the House of Assembly complex in Moscow Road was clearly brought down by Edison Ehie under the instructions of Governor Siminilayi Fubara, I challenge him to an open confrontation and I will throw more light on it.”
“A day after that incident, I almost resigned, but I was very scared because I know the power of a sitting governor and he knew that I am aware of the whole plan and that I am discomforted with the unconscionable act and deliberate posture of innocence and mien of a sheep.”
When contacted for reaction, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, dismissed Nwaeke’s claims as “the rantings of a disgruntled former employee.”
