The Coalition of Civil Rights Organisations, known as the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has demanded an immediate and in-depth investigation into serious allegations against the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. These claims were made by George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of Rivers State, during a press briefing in Abuja.
Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of CCLCA, urged the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to thoroughly examine the allegations. He warned that if substantiated, these claims would expose a grave governance crisis that threatens the stability and integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Nwambu detailed that Nwaeke had made a series of alarming accusations, including directives for arson, corruption and financial improprieties, threats to public safety, collusion with militant groups, and an attempt to subvert labour rights. He noted that Nwaeke has offered to share evidence relating to alleged corruption and constitutional breaches by Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie. The CCLCA, comprising 30 civil society organisations, stands in solidarity with Nwaeke, demanding that the relevant agencies act swiftly and transparently to restore public confidence in governance in Rivers State and the wider nation.
Commending President Bola Tinubu for his decisive intervention in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State—a move which, despite criticism from some quarters, was approved by the National Assembly—Nwambu argued that the measure was a necessary step to uphold democratic principles and safeguard the welfare of the people.
Among Nwaeke’s detailed allegations, he claimed that the suspended governor had allegedly instructed his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to thwart an impeachment process. He further alleged that large sums of money were diverted for personal gain and that plans were in place to sabotage state infrastructure, actions which he argued not only breached the Constitution but also threatened public safety. Additional claims included purported meetings between the governor, his chief of staff and militant leaders, as well as efforts to compromise labour leaders in a bid to suppress dissent.
