Former Rivers State Head of Service, Dr George Nwaeke, has made a shocking public accusation against suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, claiming he orchestrated the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, SAVANNAH NEWSNOW REPORTS.
Nwaeke, who stepped down from his position last week after serving in Fubara’s administration, made the shocking claim in an exclusive interview with 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.”
A devastating fire gutted the historic legislative building on October 29, 2023, amidst a severe political crisis between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, just hours before the lawmakers were set to discuss an impeachment plot against the governor.
Nwaeke’s claims directly contradict the government’s official stance, which attributed the fire to an electrical malfunction, and he hinted at having documentary evidence to support his claims.
“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.”
