The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) and a coalition of Civil Society Organisations have strongly condemned the “unsubstantiated” allegations made by former Head of Service George Nwaeke against suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
The coalition dismissed Nwaeke’s claim that Fubara masterminded the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex on October 29, 2023, as a “joke taken too far.”
Meanwhile, Fubara has assured the people of Rivers State that the ongoing political turmoil will ultimately strengthen them rather than weaken them.
Addressing Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, who paid him a Sallah visit at his private residence in Port Harcourt, Fubara urged his supporters to remain peaceful and avoid being provoked into violence.
“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constituted authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria.”
“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that, in the end, we will emerge stronger.”
TMG Rivers State Coordinator, Nathaniel Akporuvweku, at a press briefing, reaffirmed that Justice Sika Aprioku of the Rivers State High Court had already ruled on the matter (Suit No. PHC/227/FHR/2024).
He noted that the court had restrained security agencies from inviting or harassing Ehie over the Assembly fire, stressing that any further investigation or action against him would be a “witch-hunt” and an attempt to derail the peace process.
“The police arrested some persons, arraigned them, and they were bailed because it is a bailable offence. The State High Court has given judgment to the effect that the matter is concluded and settled.”
Akporuvweku urged the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, to adopt a neutral and apolitical approach in handling the state’s affairs, warning that unnecessary political interference could further destabilize the state.
During the Sallah visit, Muslim leader Nasir Uhor expressed solidarity with Fubara, commending his inclusive governance style.
“Unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100 percent Christian state, Governor Fubara has acknowledged the religious diversity in the state, creating room for inclusiveness,” Uhor stated.
As the political crisis unfolds, stakeholders continue to call for restraint and constructive dialogue to prevent further escalation in Rivers State.
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