The Former Head of Service, George Nwaeke, has accused suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of masterminding the bombing of the State House of Assembly complex to prevent impeachment.
Nwaeke claimed that Fubara directed his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to carry out the attack. The former Head of Service made these allegations during a national television interview.
Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has approved the payment of salaries for civil servants, pensioners, and suspended political appointees. Ibas also met with heads of paramilitary organizations, charging them to collaborate with his administration to maintain peace and security in the state.
In another development, women from the 23 local government areas of Rivers State gathered for a prayer session, condemning the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu and the suspension of elected political officers. They urged the President to annul the suspension of Governor Fubara and other suspended officers.
The Conference of Professionals in the Peoples Democratic Party (CP-PDP) has warned Ibas to stay clear of the state’s allocation, citing constitutional provisions. The group argued that Ibas’ appointment as Sole Administrator is illegal and inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution.
The crisis in Rivers State has sparked concerns about the implications for democracy and the rule of law. The situation remains fluid, with various stakeholders calling for a resolution to the impasse.
Nwaeke said, “It all started with the State House of Assembly, where the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, directed his Chief of Staff to burn down the Assembly in a way to avert his suspected impeachment.
“That evening, Edison was in Government House with many of his boys, including the former chairman of Obio/Akpor, one Mr Chijioke Ihunwo. I was there with them when a bag of money was handed over to Edison for that operation.
“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.
“Let me draw the attention of the Nigerian Labour Congress to call the attention of their chairman, Rivers State Chapter to order to avoid politicising Labour.
“I am privy to several private meetings between the Governor and the Labour leader in the state and the largesse that accompanied each meeting to compromise the Labour Union”, he added.
