PORTHARCOURT: George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service in Rivers State, has reassured the public that he is safe and currently staying at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
His statement follows concerns raised by his wife, Florence, late on Friday, who expressed uncertainty about his whereabouts after he resigned from his position.
Florence Nwaeke told journalists that she was distressed and fearful for her husband’s safety, as she had no idea where he was.
When he arrived in Abuja, he called to let me know he had landed. I thanked God, she shared. Then, late last night, I began receiving calls saying he had given an interview.
I was confused What interview? What’s going on?’ It wasn’t until I saw news circulating online that he had done an interview that I became worried. I thought, ‘This can’t be my husband.
She continued, explaining how her concern grew: I messaged him, asking if he was under duress or had been kidnapped. ‘Why aren’t you answering me?’ I asked. His phone wasn’t going through, and I was desperate. I kept saying, ‘Please, Nigerians, help me! My husband is in trouble!’
However, in a video message sent to the press on Saturday morning, Nwaeke clarified the situation, explaining that he was in Abuja to meet with security agencies and report matters affecting him.
Good morning, gentlemen of the press. I’m Francis Nwaeke, and I’m staying at the Transcorp Hotel in Abuja. I came here today to report to the authorities about some disturbing events in the state that have been making me feel unwell, he said in the video.
Nwaeke revealed that he had resigned as Head of Service earlier that week due to ongoing issues, and that after granting a press interview, false rumors began circulating.
I saw a video of my wife being told that I had been kidnapped. I want to clear that up there is no truth to those claims. I am not kidnapped. I am safe here in Abuja, he stated.
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He also sought to address the confusion surrounding his wife’s distress, asserting, My wife doesn’t know anything about what happens at my office; we only discuss domestic matters. The script being put out by those who contacted her is false and baseless.
Nwaeke added, I am here in Abuja because it is the headquarters of the country’s security agencies. I intend to report myself and the situation to them for investigation.
Everything I have said is the truth, and I want to assure everyone that I am fine.
In his allegations, Nwaeke had accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of planning to support Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed in the 2027 presidential election, as well as meeting with and encouraging militants to attack oil facilities and other critical infrastructure in the state.
In response, Governor Fubara denied the allegations and suggested that Nwaeke may have been compromised or coerced into making false statements.
The truth is, Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised. His statements are the result of promises made to those who may have paid or pressured him to lie against me, the governor said in a statement issued late Friday.
He also provided screenshots of what he claimed were conversations between Nwaeke and his Chief of Staff, Ederson Ehie, to support his position.
