The political crisis in Rivers State has deepened following a heated exchange between the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the former Head of Service, Dr. George Nweke, over recent bombings of oil pipelines and the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex.
Nweke, who recently resigned from his position, accused Fubara of orchestrating both incidents in a bid to suppress opposition and solidify his hold on power.
However, the embattled governor has dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign orchestrated by political adversaries.
The controversy stems from a series of violent incidents that have rocked the state. In 2023, suspected political thugs set the Rivers State House of Assembly chambers ablaze around 9:45 pm, sparking tensions.
More recently, on March 18, 2025, an explosion hit a section of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community, Gokana Local Government Area, further escalating the crisis.
Unlike previous attacks where militant groups claimed responsibility, no faction has owned up to the recent bombings, fueling suspicions of political sabotage.
Speaking in Abuja, Nweke claimed that Fubara ordered his suspended Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to burn down the Assembly complex to thwart his impeachment.
He further alleged that the governor had planned to destroy the lawmakers’ residential quarters but was deterred by widespread condemnation.
Nweke alleged: “Governor Siminalayi Fubara directed his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to burn down the Assembly to prevent his impeachment. I was there when a bag of money was handed over to Edison for the operation.”
He also accused Fubara of plotting a larger scheme involving oil facility attacks to destabilize the country and push for a political reshuffle at the national level.
According to Nweke, the plan was to target non-Ijaw areas first before extending the sabotage to Ijaw territories to create a facade of widespread unrest.
In a swift response, Fubara dismissed Nweke’s claims, accusing him of being compromised by political forces seeking to discredit his administration.
“Ordinarily, I would not have responded to these baseless allegations, but I must correct the false narrative being peddled. Nweke is lying, and his claims are nothing but a poorly executed script by those who want to undermine me.”
Fubara also refuted allegations of funding militant activities or conspiring against national security, stressing that his administration has always prioritized peace and development.
Amid the controversy, Nweke’s wife, Florence, has raised concerns over her husband’s safety. She alleged that her husband had been abducted and forced to make the allegations against Fubara.
“The man in that interview is not my husband. I have been trying to reach him, but his lines are unreachable. My husband is in trouble.”
Her statement has introduced a dramatic twist to the unfolding crisis, leaving many wondering whether Nweke’s claims were made voluntarily or under duress.
As the crisis deepens, Rivers State remains on edge, with political analysts warning that the allegations and counter-allegations could further destabilize governance.
While a Federal High Court in Abuja has already jailed five individuals for the 2023 Assembly arson, the latest accusations against Fubara could prompt further legal and political battles.
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