Rivers State Head of Service Resigns Amid Political Turmoil, Wife Raises Alarm

The Rivers State civil service was rocked this week by the sudden resignation of Dr. George Nwaeke, the Head of Service (HoS), followed by a dramatic plea for help from his wife, Florence Nwaeke, who claims her husband’s life is in danger. The unfolding saga has deepened the political crisis in the oil-rich state, raising questions about coercion, safety, and the stability of its administration.

Resignation Announced

On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the office of Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), confirmed Dr. George Nwaeke’s resignation in a statement signed by the Chief of Staff. “The office of His Excellency, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (retd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, is saddened to announce the resignation of the Head of Service, Rivers State, Dr. George Nwaeke, FCA, Mni,” the statement read. “His Excellency, the Administrator, appreciates the immense contributions he has made to this administration in the short period he served and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”

No official reason for the resignation was provided, but it comes just one week after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly for an initial six-month period. Vice Admiral Ibas was appointed as sole administrator amid a prolonged political feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Following Nwaeke’s exit, Dr. (Mrs.) Iyingi Brown, Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service, was appointed as acting HoS until a substantive replacement is named. On the same day, Ibas announced Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), citing his extensive experience and rigorous selection process.

A Wife’s Desperate Cry

The situation escalated late Friday, March 28, when Florence Nwaeke, wife of the former HoS, spoke to journalists in an emotional plea for her husband’s safety. “When he got to Abuja, he called that he had landed. I said, ‘Thank God’,” she recounted, tears streaming down her face. “The next thing I saw this night: people were calling me and said he got an interview. I said, ‘What interview? Interview for what?’ Not until I saw things flying on the internet that he granted an interview.”

Florence’s distress stemmed from an explosive interview her husband gave earlier that day, in which he accused suspended Governor Fubara of orchestrating instability in Rivers State to avoid impeachment. Nwaeke alleged that Fubara had ordered his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly in 2023 and claimed the governor was planning to back Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for the 2027 presidency while encouraging militants to attack oil facilities.

“I said, ‘That is not my husband. That is not my husband,’” Florence continued, describing the interview as uncharacteristic. “So I sent him a message. I said, ‘Are you under duress? Have they kidnapped you? Talk to me now. Why are you not talking to me?’ His numbers are not going through. Nigerians, help me!” She also claimed her husband had resigned under pressure, stating, “He resigned because he said he would not sign anything against you,” in a direct appeal to Governor Fubara. “Governor, help me. My husband is in trouble.”

Florence further alleged that Nwaeke had traveled to Abuja to meet a friend, only to disappear from contact after his arrival. “Oh, Jesus, help me. Nigerians, help me,” she cried, sparking widespread concern about his whereabouts.

Governor Fubara Responds

Late Friday, Governor Fubara issued a statement dismissing Nwaeke’s allegations as “baseless” and suggesting coercion or inducement. “The truth is that Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised, and whatever he is saying is only aimed at fulfilling his promise to those who may have paid or pressured him to lie against me,” Fubara said. He supported his claim with alleged chat records between Nwaeke and Ehie, purportedly showing the former HoS seeking financial assistance in exchange for loyalty, complaining that his N500,000 salary was insufficient.

Nwaeke Breaks Silence

In a stunning turn of events, George Nwaeke surfaced early Saturday, March 29, in a video from the Transcorp Hilton hotel in Abuja, refuting his wife’s claims. “I am in Transcorp Abuja. I arrived this morning from Port Harcourt to meet security agencies and report myself, as well as the troubling events happening in Rivers State,” he said. “I resigned as Head of Service on Monday because of these developments.”

Addressing Florence’s allegations, he added, “I just saw a video of my wife trending. She was told I had been kidnapped and given a script to read. I want to make it clear—I am not kidnapped. I am in Abuja, working. My wife does not know anything that happens in my office.” Nwaeke insisted his resignation and subsequent actions were voluntary, stating he felt safer reporting to security agencies in Abuja due to their headquarters’ presence.

Political Context

Nwaeke’s resignation and the ensuing drama unfold against a backdrop of heightened tension in Rivers State. The state of emergency, declared by President Tinubu, followed nearly two years of political instability, culminating in the suspension of its elected officials. Nwaeke’s allegations against Fubara, coupled with his wife’s counterclaims of duress, have fueled speculation about political interference and personal safety risks for officials caught in the crossfire.

As of Saturday morning, the situation remains fluid, with residents and observers awaiting further clarity. Florence Nwaeke’s plea has ignited a public outcry, while her husband’s rebuttal has left more questions than answers about the true circumstances surrounding his resignation and departure from Rivers State.