The former Head of Service (HoS) of Rivers State, George Nwaeke, has dispelled speculations about his whereabouts, stating that he is safe and currently in Abuja.
This follows a distress call by his wife, Florence Nwaeke, on Friday night, claiming that she had lost contact with him after his resignation and feared for his safety.
In a video statement today, Nwaeke confirmed that he was lodging at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, where he intended to meet with security agencies to report certain developments in Rivers State that he described as “troubling.”
Wife Raises Alarm Over Husband’s Whereabouts
The controversy began when Florence Nwaeke, in an emotional plea, told journalists that she had not been able to reach her husband since he left Rivers State for Abuja. She recounted her last conversation with him, saying, “When he got to Abuja, he called that he had landed. I said, ‘Thank God’.”
However, she became alarmed after seeing an online interview featuring her husband, which she claimed was out of character.
“I sent him a message asking if he was under duress. I asked, ‘Have they kidnapped you?’ But he didn’t reply. His numbers were not going through. Nigerians, help me! My husband is in trouble!” she lamented in a viral video.
Nwaeke’s Clarification: ‘I Am Safe’
Shortly after his wife’s video surfaced, Nwaeke addressed the public in a recorded message, refuting claims that he had been kidnapped. He emphasized that his decision to travel to Abuja was voluntary and aimed at ensuring his safety while he reports certain sensitive issues to the authorities.
“I was Head of Service until Monday, and I resigned because of things that are happening. I came to Abuja to meet with security agencies and report what I know,” he said.
Expressing his disappointment over the misinformation being spread, Nwaeke alleged that his wife had been manipulated by individuals who fed her false narratives. “After the press interview I granted, I saw a video of my wife trending. They told her I had been kidnapped, and she was crying. But this is not true.”
He further clarified that his wife had no involvement in his official duties, saying, “I do not discuss office matters with my wife. We only discuss domestic and social matters. So, the script that they wrote for her is null and void.”
Political Underpinnings and Governor Fubara’s Response
Nwaeke’s resignation and subsequent allegations against the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, have fueled political tensions.
The former HoS accused Governor Fubara of planning to support Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for the 2027 presidential election and of meeting with militants to discuss possible attacks on oil facilities and state assets.
Governor Fubara, in a swift response, dismissed Nwaeke’s claims, suggesting that he had been compromised and financially influenced to make the allegations.
“The truth is that Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised, and whatever he is saying is only aimed at fulfilling his promise to those who may have paid or coerced him to lie against me,” the governor said in a statement released late Friday.
To support his position, Fubara’s office shared screenshots of alleged chat messages between Nwaeke and the governor’s Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, though the authenticity of these messages remains unverified.
Security Agencies Expected to Intervene
With Nwaeke planning to present his case to security agencies in Abuja, analysts believe that the unfolding situation could lead to deeper investigations into the internal political struggles within Rivers State.
The Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies are yet to confirm whether they have officially received his report.
Political observers note that the escalating political rift in Rivers State reflects a broader trend of power struggles within Nigeria’s political landscape.
For now, Nwaeke maintains that his resignation was driven by ethical concerns rather than external influence. “I am on oath, and I stand by everything I have said. If necessary, I am ready for an investigation,” he asserted.
Public Reactions and Next Steps
Nwaeke’s sudden resignation, allegations against Governor Fubara, and the public distress of his wife have drawn reactions from various quarters, with some calling for a thorough investigation.
Others believe that the former HoS’s claims should be taken with caution, considering the high-stakes nature of Rivers State politics.
