Rivers Crisis Deepens as Video Shows Fubara Supervising Assembly Complex Demolition

A video has surfaced showing Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara closely monitoring the demolition of the State House of Assembly complex. In the footage, the governor, now suspended, is seen wearing a blue shirt and jeans while observing bulldozers at the site.

The demolition follows a long-standing political conflict between Fubara and his former ally and predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The state government has justified the demolition by citing fire damage from late 2023 and structural defects in the building. However, Wike’s allies argue that the move was a calculated strategy to prevent Fubara’s impeachment, given that most lawmakers are loyal to Wike.

Former Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, has accused Governor Fubara of orchestrating the 2023 bombing of the Assembly complex to block his impeachment. Speaking at a news briefing, Nwaeke alleged that he witnessed money being handed to former Assembly leader Edison Ehie, who later became Fubara’s Chief of Staff, to execute the attack. He claimed that Fubara personally instructed Ehie to set fire to the complex and that a bag of money was given for the operation. Nwaeke also alleged that an attempt was made to demolish the residential quarters of Assembly members but was stopped following public outcry.

He further stated that Fubara had expressed regret over not demolishing the Assembly’s hall earlier before moving on to the lawmakers’ residential quarters. Questioning the governor’s actions, Nwaeke accused him of wasting public funds and engaging in an unnecessary political battle. He claims to have evidence supporting his allegations and has pledged to submit it to security agencies, though it remains unclear if he has done so.

Governor Fubara’s camp has dismissed the accusations, alleging that Nwaeke is fabricating lies in exchange for financial incentives from political opponents.