By Paul Chimodo
In an unexpected twist that has shaken the political landscape of Rivers State, Dr. George Nweke, the recently resigned Head of Service (HoS), finds himself embroiled in a web of intrigue and accusation involving his former ally, the suspended Governor Sir Sim Fubara. Just days ago, Nweke was a picture of loyalty, resigning with admiration for Fubara, only to find his world turned upside down in a storm of political chaos that has left his family heartbroken and his reputation at stake.
The backdrop of this scandal is a state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a move which many see as a direct strike against Fubara’s governance. As Nweke recorded a now-infamous video at a press conference, he accused Fubara of complicity with militant groups and alleged plans to sabotage the state’s oil facilities. He claimed to be an eyewitness to plots aimed at igniting violence in the House of Assembly, a serious allegation that sent shockwaves throughout the state.
But within mere hours, Nweke’s wife, Florence, burst into the public eye, distraught and claiming that her husband had been compromised and wasn’t acting of his own free will. In a passionate plea to the nation, she accused a certain Professor Henry Ogiri of being involved in her husband’s mysterious circumstances, begging for help in finding him. “Let Nigerians help me, oh! My husband is missing, he is in trouble,” she cried out, casting a shadow of fear across their Port Harcourt home.
In a rapid rebuttal, Nweke released another video, this time asserting his safety from a hotel room in Abuja while claiming that it was Florence who was in trouble. He suggested that she had been misinformed by factions loyal to Fubara, urging her to remain calm amid the tumult. The landscape of their relationship appears to be fraying, with oaths of love and support exchanged in recent weeks now overshadowed by public accusations and media frenzy.
To date, Governor Fubara has vehemently denied Nweke’s allegations, calling the claims “laughable” and a product of desperation. He sought to distance himself from the narrative spun by Nweke, asserting that it would be impossible for his former HoS to have been present at alleged meetings discussing violent tactics. “I have been at the forefront preaching peace in the state even in the face of obvious provocations,” he contended, positioning himself as a beacon of stability amid rising tensions.
Letting the dust settle seems a distant dream as further complications arise. Professor Ogiri has publicly refuted Florence’s claims, asserting that his alibi is solid, backed by network recordings and air traffic records that indicate he had not left the state during the timeline specified. Meanwhile, the Fubara camp has circulated WhatsApp messages purportedly showcasing Nweke’s recent accolades toward the governor, hinting at deeper loyalties and possible financial motivations behind his current discontent.
As political experts forecast a potential escalation, dubbing the unfolding events a “Week of Long Knives,” the cries of a family in turmoil echo against the backdrop of a state teetering on the brink of chaos. With accusations flying and the truth shrouded in mystery, the hope for a peaceful resolution appears dim. Dr. Nweke’s home, once a haven of love and unity, now stands precariously divided by a political storm that shows no signs of abating.
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