George Nwaeke, former head of the Rivers state civil service, has accused the administration of Siminalayi Fubara of misappropriation.

 

In a press briefing on Saturday, Nwaeke alleged that the theft of public funds under the suspended Rivers governor is “mind-boggling”.

 

Nwaeke, who recently resigned as head of service, said he would provide evidence to security operatives when called upon.

 

“I cannot also give all my evidence to the media, some are sensitive. I will give details to the proper authorities when required of me,” Nwaeke said.

 

“The level of stealing of public funds and assets witnessed in the last two years is mind-boggling.

 

“I have never experienced it in the history of the state as we also had the highest allocation ever within this period.”

 

BACKGROUND

 During a press conference on Friday in Abuja, Nwaeke claimed that Fubara directed Edison Ehie, his chief of staff, to burn down the Rivers house of assembly.

 

He alleged that he was at the government house “when a bag of money was handed over to Edison for that operation, though I do not know the amount inside”.

 

Reacting to the claim, Fubara said the former head of service had been “compromised” and was being “coerced” to lie against him.

 

Speaking with journalists on Friday evening, Florence, Nwaeke’s wife, said she could no longer communicate with Nwaeke after he granted an interview about the political crisis in Rivers.

 

Nwaeke’s wife said her husband had been kidnapped and that the interview was made under duress.

 

In a short video released in response to his wife, Nwaeke said he was safe and sound — and not kidnapped.

 

‘I HAVE NEVER BEEN COMPROMISED’

The former HoS — in his latest press briefing — said Fubara did not address the allegation of plotting to bomb the assembly complex

 

He added that his first interview in which he made some allegations against Fubara was not under duress.

 

The former HoS said his wife cannot speak on his behalf on issues about the state’s civil service.

 

“After addressing the press conference yesterday, I saw a video of my wife trending online that I was kidnapped and that I made my statement under duress,” he said.

 

“I have debunked that. My wife cannot speak for me on civil service matters when I’m still healthy and mentally fit.”

 

Nwaeke said his wife might have been threatened to speak to the press.

 

“I also listened to the suspended governor’s reaction to my press statement,” he added.

 

“I’m surprised that he never debunked my allegations of bringing down the assembly, which was the main subject, rather he was talking about other issues.

 

“I have also heard people saying that I have been compromised. If at all I could be compromised, it should not have been my benefactor who appointed me as head of service. I have never been compromised.”