…..call for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged arson and any related activities that threaten the legislative integrity of Rivers State
The Coalition of Civil Rights Organizations also known as Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness has called on appropriate law enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the allegations by the the former Head of Service of Rivers State, Dr. George Nwaeke.
Addressing the media on Wednesday in Abuja, the Convener of the coalition, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel joined by its Secretary, Woma Pepple, said that if Dr. George Nwaeke, allegations is substantiated, then it highlight a serious crisis in governance and pose significant threats to the stability and integrity of democratic institutions.
The statement read, “During his public address, Dr. Nwaeke made several alarming claims that we believe warrant immediate investigation by appropriate law enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The following key allegations were made:
“1. Directives for Arson: Dr. Nwaeke alleged that suspended Governor Sim Fubara instructed his Chief of Staff, Mr Edison Ehie, to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to derail his suspected impeachment. This act, if proven, represents a direct violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, which mandates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
“2. Corruption and Financial Improprieties: It was stated that a bag of money was handed over for the purpose of executing this alleged arson. He also alleged the disbursement of large sums of money for the personal interest of the suspended Governor Fubara, implicating high-level corruption under Section 15(5) of the same Constitution, which emphasizes the duty of the state to combat corruption in all its forms.
“3. Threats to Public Safety and Security: Dr. Nwaeke expressed concern regarding the planned sabotage of state infrastructure, which aims to incite public disorder. This falls under the purview of Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011), reinforcing the need for immediate intervention to safeguard the lives and property of citizens.
“4. Collusion with Militant Groups: Allegations of meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders pose a serious threat to national security and violate the provisions under Section 43 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended concerning the right to property, as these actions endanger public and private assets, including critical infrastructure.
“5. Subversion of Labour Rights: Dr. Nwaeke also revealed attempts to compromise Labour leaders in the state to quell dissent. This breaches Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association, fundamental pillars of democracy.
“In light of these allegations, we strongly urge immediate action by the following agencies of Government:
“Nigerian Police Force: We call for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the alleged arson and any related activities that threaten the legislative integrity of Rivers State. We call on the Inspector General (IGP) of the Nigeria Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, to investigate and make public a comprehensive report the immediate and remote causes of the bombing/burning of Rivers state House of Assembly which culminated to its demolition in December, 2023.
“Department of State Services (DSS): We call upon the DSS to inquire into the suspected collusion with militants and proactively address any threats to security.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC): We request an in-depth investigation into the financial misconduct and corruption claims surrounding Governor Fubara’s administration.
“Additionally, we commend President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his decisive intervention in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, which has helped to stabilize the region during this tumultuous period. This action, confirmed by the National Assembly, is a critical step toward upholding democracy and ensuring the welfare of the people of Rivers State.
“We stand in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has offered to share pieces of evidence of corruption and other constitutional infractions perpetrated by Governor Fubara, Mr. Edison, etc, in his quest to bring awareness to these serious issues, and we collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. It is imperative that these allegations are addressed to restore public confidence in the institutions of governance in Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
