The Etche Ethnic Nationality Forum, the premier socio-political organisation in Etche land, has strongly condemned attempts to malign the immediate past Head of Service of Rivers State, George Nwaeke. In a press statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Nwanyanwu Kingsley Chioma and Bestman Azonwu, the Forum decried the spurious allegations propagated by a group masquerading as the Etche Simplify Movement.
“Our attention has been drawn to a web of lies perpetrated by a faceless group masquerading under the banner of the Etche Simplify Movement, intent on casting aspersions on Dr George Nwaeke,” the statement declared. “For the avoidance of doubt, Dr George Nwaeke is a bastion of sterling and exemplary leadership within the civil service. A proud son of Etche Nation, he has risen from humble beginnings as a lecturer, accountant, sole administrator in Abua/Odual LGA, and eventually served as Permanent Secretary and Head of Service of Rivers State. Throughout his distinguished career, he has demonstrated impeccable integrity and a steadfast commitment to service.”
The Forum expressed its disapproval of the Etche Simplify Movement’s actions, criticising them as politically motivated and dismissing their press conference as an attempt to boost the ailing reputation of the suspended governor. “We frown upon the actions of the leaders of the Etche Simplify Movement for insulting Dr George Nwaeke, who, with his boldness, has exposed the corrupt practices within the Fubara-led administration,” the statement continued. “The Etche Simplify Movement can be described as a band of political interlopers and busybodies who have lost touch with the reality that they should have, instead, commended Dr Nwaeke’s forthrightness.”
As the highest decision-making body in Etche land, the Forum declared that, irrespective of political affiliation, Dr George Nwaeke epitomises the true spirit of an Etche man – one who speaks truth to power regardless of the cost. The Forum urged other sons and daughters of Etche land to follow in his footsteps and warned those who have denigrated his character to issue a public apology within 48 hours or face punitive measures from the Etche people.
In a further display of support, the Forum endorsed President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency and called on the people of Rivers State to rally behind the Sole Administrator in their quest to restore peace and stability.
