By Lubem Gena, Abuja
The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, a coalition of civil rights organizations, has called for an immediate investigation into grave allegations made by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of Rivers State.
The said allegations implicate the suspended Governor Sim Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison Ehie, in acts of arson, corruption, and collusion with militant groups.
Speaking at a press briefing, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, Convener of the Centre, emphasized the severity of Dr. Nwaeke’s claims and the urgent need for law enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to take decisive action.
Dr. Nwaeke’s claims highlight several critical issues that threaten governance and stability in Rivers State. The former Head of Service alleged that Governor Fubara instructed his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison Ehie, to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly in an effort to derail his suspected impeachment. If proven, this would represent a direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution, which prioritizes the security and welfare of citizens.
Dr. Nwaeke stated that substantial amounts of money were disbursed for personal interests, including a bag of cash allegedly handed over to execute the arson. These allegations violate constitutional provisions that mandate the state to combat corruption in all its forms.
According to Dr. Nwaeke, there are plans to sabotage state infrastructure and incite public disorder, acts that could fall under the provisions of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011). The allegations suggest that meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders were held, posing a significant threat to national security and public assets.
Dr. Nwaeke also claimed that there were attempts to compromise labour leaders to suppress dissent, undermining the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and association.
In response to these allegations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness has urged the Nigerian Police Force to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the alleged arson at the Rivers State House of Assembly and release a full report on its causes, including the December 2023 demolition of the Assembly complex.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has been called upon to probe the suspected collusion with militant groups and ensure proactive measures to maintain security in the state. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been requested to investigate the financial mismanagement and corruption claims linked to Governor Fubara’s administration.
The civil rights group commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his swift intervention in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, a move confirmed by the National Assembly. The Centre believes this action has helped stabilize the region during this turbulent period.
Dr. Nwambu Gabriel reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to holding public officials accountable, stating that Dr. Nwaeke is ready to provide evidence supporting his claims. The group stressed the importance of swift and transparent investigations to restore public confidence in governance in Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
As the call for accountability gains momentum, all eyes are now on the relevant authorities to ensure justice is served and democratic principles upheld in Rivers State.
