The political turmoil in Rivers State escalated as suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara strongly rejected accusations from the former Head of the Civil Service, Dr. George Nweke, who accused him of orchestrating the state’s unrest.

In a late-night response on Friday, Fubara denied all claims, including that he had secretly met with PDP Governorship Forum Chairman Bala Mohammed to plot the downfall of President Tinubu.

“It is laughable that Dr. Nweke would claim he was aware of such meetings, especially when the Bauchi State Governor’s visit to Rivers was public knowledge,” Fubara stated.

Nweke had alleged in a televised briefing that Fubara masterminded the burning of the state Assembly complex and had colluded with militants to sabotage oil facilities.

Fubara swiftly rejected these claims, insisting that he had never met with militants nor sanctioned any attacks on national assets. “I have been at the forefront preaching peace in the State,” he asserted.

In a dramatic twist, Nweke claimed that Fubara’s Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, was directly involved in the destruction of the Assembly complex, alleging that a bribe was involved. “I was there when money was handed over for the operation,” he charged.

Meanwhile, Fubara’s critics, including Nweke’s wife, have suggested that the former Head of Service was under duress during his TV appearance.

Mrs. Florence Nweke claimed her husband was “forced” to speak against Fubara and had been “held hostage” prior to the interview.

The political crisis deepens as both sides continue to trade accusations, with Fubara urging Rivers residents and Nigerians to disregard Nweke’s statements as politically motivated.

“Dr. Nweke has been compromised, and everything he is saying is aimed at discrediting my administration,” Fubara concluded.