The Simplified Rivers Elders Forum (SIREF), one of the groups aligned with the Governor Siminalaiyi Fubara of Rivers State, has challenged the immediate past Head of Service of the state, Dr. George Nwaeke, to substantiate his allegations against Gov. Fubara or risk being dragged to court for defamation.
In a statement on Monday, the group demanded that Dr. Nwaeke provide “clear and credible” evidence to support his claims within the next seven days.
The group described Dr. Nwaeke as an opportunist who has allegedly compromised his integrity by aligning himself with elements hostile to the state.
“His actions, aimed at disseminating misinformation against the peace-loving governor are considered self-serving and detrimental to the harmonious progress of Rivers State,” SIREF maintained
While refuting the claims made by the former head of service in the interviews he granted Channels Television, the forum described the statements as outright falsehood and a failed script, allegedly orchestrated by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and his desperate followers.
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They urged the public to disregard the unfounded assertions, as they serve only to mislead and destabilize public trust.
Meanwhile, the Uzugbani Ekpeye, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Ekpeye Ethnic Nationality in Rivers State has also refuted the allegations made by Nwaeke, implicating the Chief of Staff to Gov. Fubara, Edison Ehie in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly building.
The group in a statement on Monday, signed by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ogboka Umeda, pointed out that a court had already ruled on the matter, exonerating Edison Ehie of all allegations.
According to the organization, reviving the concluded matter is a calculated attempt to entangle the chief of staff in a political witchhunt.
The body further condemned the removal of Gov. Fubara, the deputy and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months in the guise of a state of emergency
However, while expressing support to efforts to restore peace and order in the state, the group said it won’t tolerate political witch-hunting during the period and advocated for democracy to flourish in the state and country.
