The political turmoil in Rivers State has deepened, with suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara vehemently denying allegations that he orchestrated attacks on oil facilities and fueled the state's ongoing crisis. The accusations, leveled by former Head of Service George Nwaeke, have been met with strong rebuttal from Fubara, who suggests Nwaeke was either incentivized or coerced into making false statements.

Nwaeke's accusations, which surfaced shortly after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Fubara, include claims that the governor met with militants to bomb pipelines and masterminded the destruction of the State House of Assembly complex in 2023. These are serious allegations that strike at the heart of the political instability plaguing the oil-rich region.

Fubara, in his response, dismissed Nwaeke's claims as "laughable" and "ludicrous," asserting that they are aimed at fulfilling a promise to those who may have paid or pressured Nwaeke. He specifically addressed the allegation that he held secret meetings to support Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed's purported 2027 presidential bid, stating that it would have been impossible for Nwaeke, in his capacity as Head of Service, to be privy to such high-level political discussions. Fubara further clarified that Mohammed's visit to Rivers State was a public event, not a clandestine meeting.

The suspended governor also refuted the claim that he encouraged attacks on oil pipelines and other national assets, emphasizing his consistent advocacy for peace in the state, even in the face of provocations. This denial comes amidst heightened concerns about the security and economic stability of Rivers State, a crucial region for Nigeria's oil production.

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, Nwaeke's wife, Florence, has raised concerns about the authenticity of the interview in which the allegations were made, suggesting that her husband may have been under duress or coerced into making the statements. This raises questions about the credibility of the accusations and the circumstances surrounding their emergence.

The timing of these allegations is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with President Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Fubara. These actions followed a period of intense political infighting between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The suspension of Fubara has generated mixed reactions, with some questioning the president's authority to suspend a governor, even under a state of emergency.

Legal practitioner Titilope Anifowoshe, in an interview with Legit.ng, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in Rivers State, given Nigeria's reliance on oil production to fund its budget. With the 2025 budget projecting 2.06 million barrels per day (bpd) to fund a N54.99 trillion budget, the stability of Rivers State is crucial to achieving these economic goals.

Amidst the political turmoil, claims also surfaced that security operatives attached to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike attacked Fubara's private residence. However, these claims have been fact-checked and remain unsubstantiated, highlighting the need for careful verification of information during times of political crisis.