According to Daily Trust Report, Chief Gani Topba, a prominent activist from Port Harcourt and leader of the sociopolitical group “Conscience of the Ogoni People,” has issued a stern warning to Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of Rivers State, following allegations he made against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Topba, a strong supporter of the Governor, has threatened legal action for defamation if Nwaeke does not publicly apologize for the serious accusations he made regarding the Governor’s involvement in financial mismanagement and security threats in the region.
Dr. Nwaeke stirred significant controversy last week when he publicly accused Governor Fubara of orchestrating the bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly in 2023. In addition to this explosive claim, Nwaeke alleged that the Governor was actively planning attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta, all part of a broader effort to pressure the federal government for political leverage. These serious allegations have sparked a heated political and public debate, leading Topba to vehemently reject the claims as baseless and malicious.
Topba responded quickly to Nwaeke’s accusations, calling them “unfounded” and “malicious,” designed to harm the reputation of Governor Fubara. He has demanded that Nwaeke issue a public apology within seven days or face legal consequences. In a statement, Topba emphasized that such defamatory remarks would not be tolerated, asserting that he would take legal action to protect the Governor’s name.
“I will not allow the former Head of Service to malign the image of my Governor without consequences,” Topba said, emphasizing that he would sue Nwaeke for defamation if the apology was not issued. “Governor Fubara has no ties to cultism or militancy. These claims are lies, and Dr. Nwaeke must retract them.”
Topba’s support for Governor Fubara remains unwavering, as he reiterated the Governor’s reputation as a peaceful and principled leader. Topba dismissed any allegations linking Fubara to violence or militancy as completely unfounded. In a further challenge to Nwaeke, he proposed a public debate where Nwaeke could present verifiable evidence to support his claims. He also expressed surprise that Nwaeke did not report his concerns to local security agencies such as the Rivers State Commissioner of Police or the State Director of DSS before escalating the matter to the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja. Topba suggested this approach appeared politically motivated and lacked credibility.
“If Dr. Nwaeke truly had concerns, why did he not first report to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police or the State Director of DSS? He has no credibility,” Topba stated. “I know him well, and he cannot stand before me in a debate.”
The allegations have drawn parallels with the controversial rhetoric of former Governor Nyesom Wike, particularly his infamous comments warning election officials to “write their wills” before conducting elections in Rivers State. Topba made it clear that while Governor Fubara may be a political ally of Wike, Fubara himself has never been associated with violent rhetoric or actions.
Topba’s public challenge to Nwaeke’s statements comes as tensions rise in Rivers State’s political climate, with both local and national implications. He remains adamant that Nwaeke’s accusations are without merit and must be retracted. If Nwaeke fails to issue a public apology within the seven-day deadline, Topba has vowed to initiate legal action to defend Governor Fubara’s integrity.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are now on Dr. Nwaeke to see whether he will retract his claims or stand by them, which could escalate the matter to a full legal confrontation.
