Rivers Elders Reject Bombing Allegations Against Governor Fubara

Rivers Elders Reject Bombing Allegations Against Governor Fubara

George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of Rivers State, has sparked controversy by accusing Governor Siminalayi Fubara of orchestrating the bombing of the state House of Assembly complex in 2023. Nwaeke made these allegations during a press conference in Abuja on Friday, claiming that the attack was aimed at preventing his impeachment by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, who is loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike…READ MORE…

Nwaeke alleged that the bombing was carried out by militants under the direction of state politicians, and further accused Fubara of plotting to use militant groups from Ijaw-speaking areas to sabotage oil facilities in a broader scheme to destabilize the Federal Government. He also raised concerns about high-profile meetings between Fubara, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, suggesting that these meetings involved substantial financial transactions. Nwaeke claimed that the governor, with support from political figures in the state, was planning attacks in regions like Ogoni and Oyigbo to create an illusion of widespread unrest.

In response to Nwaeke’s allegations, the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council strongly condemned his statements. Led by notable figures in the state, the council accused Nwaeke of making the claims under duress. Anabs Sara-Igbe, a prominent elder and former spokesperson for the Pan Niger Delta Forum, dismissed Nwaeke’s assertions as fabricated and suggested they were part of an effort to blackmail the governor.

In an exclusive interview with Sunday Punch, Sara-Igbe stated, “The former Head of Service is under duress, judging from his demeanor. He’s not himself. Some of the things he said were outright lies.” When questioned about whether the statements amounted to blackmail, he affirmed, “Yes, it is. You heard his wife. Of course, the Head of Service has nothing to do with political matters.”

Environmental activist Ann Kio-Briggs, a respected elder in the Niger Delta region, also weighed in, expressing concern about Nwaeke’s apparent distress while making the allegations. Briggs suggested that Nwaeke was being pressured and instructed to make the statements. She echoed the sentiments of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), calling the accusations “cheap and desperate blackmail” and reaffirmed the Elders’ unwavering support for Governor Fubara, urging President Tinubu to see through the alleged blackmail.