Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service for Rivers State, has officially resigned from his position. The announcement was made in a statement on Tuesday by the Chief of Staff to the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (retired) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas. The statement acknowledged Nwaeke’s significant contributions during his tenure and extended best wishes for his future endeavors.
In the interim, Dr. Iyingi Brown, the Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service, has been appointed to serve in an acting capacity until a new Head of Service is appointed. While congratulating Brown on her new role, Ibas emphasized his administration’s commitment to maintaining neutrality, peace, and stability within Rivers State.
Following Nwaeke’s resignation, his wife, Florence, raised concerns about his whereabouts, expressing fear for his safety. She reported that after he arrived in Abuja, she lost contact with him and was alarmed by an interview he purportedly granted, which she believed was uncharacteristic. She feared he might have been kidnapped or was under duress.
However, Nwaeke later clarified his situation, stating that he was safe and staying at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. He explained that he had traveled to Abuja to meet with security agencies and report on issues affecting Rivers State that were causing him concern. Nwaeke refuted claims of being kidnapped and assured the public of his well-being.
In a related development, Nwaeke accused suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of orchestrating the bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex in 2023 to prevent his impeachment by lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Nwaeke claimed to have witnessed a bag of money being handed over to Edison Ehie, Fubara’s Chief of Staff, to carry out the operation. He also alleged that there was a plan to destroy the residential quarters of the House of Assembly members, which was thwarted by a press conference held by Rivers youths, elders, and National Assembly members.
Governor Fubara has denied these allegations, describing them as “laughable” and suggesting that Nwaeke has been compromised. Fubara urged the public to disregard Nwaeke’s claims, asserting that they are desperate attempts to discredit him and his administration.
These developments have raised concerns about the political stability in Rivers State, with various stakeholders calling for thorough investigations to ensure peace and security in the