Dr. George Nweke, the immediate past Head of the Civil Service in Rivers State, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency, asserting that it effectively saved the region from potential chaos.

Speaking to reporters in Port Harcourt on Friday, Nweke accused suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of orchestrating a series of crises within the state, including the destruction of public buildings.

During his address, he clarified that he voluntarily stepped down from his position and was neither dismissed nor pressured to resign.

Nweke expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his decisive intervention in the state’s political turmoil, particularly regarding the recently ratified emergency rule.

“As an insider and key figure in this administration, I believe it is essential to clear the air amidst widespread misinformation,” Nweke stated. “I am not speaking from outside; I was next in command following the governor’s suspension, and I witnessed firsthand the events that unfolded.”

He recounted a particularly alarming incident where Governor Fubara allegedly instructed his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to incite the destruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent his impeachment. Nweke claimed to have been present when funds were allocated for this operation, casting light on what he termed a premeditated plan to undermine state institutions.

“The House of Assembly complex was demolished under instructions from Governor Fubara, and I challenge him to confront me openly about this matter,” Nweke asserted.

He further expressed his deep concern regarding further attempts to demolish the residential quarters of Assembly members, which he claimed were thwarted by public outcry from various community stakeholders.

Referring to discussions with the suspended governor, Nweke indicated a troubling agenda to leverage ethnic influence in determining Nigeria’s next presidential candidate. He warned that without the President’s intervention, the ramifications could have been dire for both Rivers State and the nation at large.

In closing, Nweke urged stakeholders who criticized the emergency declaration to reconsider their positions, emphasizing that many are unaware of the deeper issues at play in Rivers State under Fubara’s governance.

“While I appreciate the President’s six-month emergency decree, I implore him to continue monitoring developments in Rivers State, as significant challenges remain,” he stated.

Nweke’s revelations paint a distressing picture of political instability and the manipulation of governance in Rivers State, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and leadership accountability.