Former Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, has refuted claims that he was kidnapped and forced to make statements against the suspended state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
In a video statement released on Saturday morning, Nwaeke dismissed allegations made by his wife, Florence, who had earlier raised concerns about his safety following his resignation.
He clarified that he voluntarily traveled to Abuja to report himself to security agencies regarding ongoing political developments in Rivers State.
“I am in TRANSCORP Abuja. I arrived this morning from Port Harcourt to meet security agencies and report myself, as well as the troubling events happening in Rivers State. I resigned as Head of Service on Monday because of these developments,” he said.
He further discredited his wife’s claims, suggesting that she was misinformed.
“I just saw a video of my wife trending. She was told I had been kidnapped and given a script to read. I want to make it clear—I am not kidnapped. I am in Abuja, working.
“When I was Head of Service, my wife was not involved in my official duties. That script she read is null and void. I am safe and sound. I will report myself to the appropriate security agencies because Abuja houses their headquarters, and I feel safer making my report here,” he added.
However, his wife, Florence Nwaeke, expressed distress, claiming that while her husband had confirmed his arrival in Abuja, she became suspicious after watching an online interview with him.
“I said, ‘That is not my husband. That is not my husband,’” she stated, revealing that her repeated attempts to reach him had been unsuccessful.
“I sent him a message: ‘Are you under duress? Have they kidnapped you? Talk to me now. Why are you not responding?’ But he didn’t reply. His numbers are not going through. Nigerians, help me!” she pleaded.