Rivers Drama: I’m Safe, in Abuja to Turn Myself In to Authorities, Says Ex-Rivers HoS from Transcorp Hotel Room

Former Rivers Head of Service, George Nwaeke, has assured the public that he is safe and currently staying at the Transcorp Hilton hotel in Abuja. His statement comes after his wife, Florence, raised concerns late Friday about his whereabouts following his resignation from service.

Florence Nwaeke, in an emotional appeal, told journalists she was worried about her husband’s safety, saying she had lost contact with him after he traveled to Abuja. She revealed that she sent multiple messages, fearing he might have been kidnapped or forced into silence.

However, in a video message sent on Saturday morning, George Nwaeke clarified that he was neither kidnapped nor under duress. He stated that he voluntarily traveled to Abuja to report himself to security agencies regarding issues in Rivers State that he found troubling.

“I want to clear this up. I was not kidnapped. I am in Abuja, staying at the Transcorp Hotel,” Nwaeke said. “After the press interview I granted, I saw a video of my wife crying and making statements that are not true. They told her I was kidnapped, but I want to put this straight—I am safe.”

He explained that his decision to resign as Head of Service was due to certain developments in Rivers State, and he believed Abuja was the safest place to make his report to the appropriate authorities. He also emphasized that his wife was unaware of his official duties, dismissing her statements as scripted misinformation.

Nwaeke had earlier accused Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of planning to support Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed in the 2027 presidential election and of allegedly meeting with militants to encourage attacks on oil facilities.

In response, Governor Fubara dismissed the allegations, suggesting that Nwaeke had been compromised. “The truth is that Dr. Nwaeke has been coerced or paid to spread lies against me,” Fubara said in a statement. He also shared purported screenshots of messages between Nwaeke and his Chief of Staff, Ederson Ehie, as evidence.

The situation has sparked controversy in Rivers State, with political observers closely watching the unfolding events.