‘I’m safe and sound, not kidnapped’ — Rivers ex-HoS says wife’s concerns ‘scripted’

George Nwaeke, former Rivers state head of service, has dismissed his wife’s concerns about his whereabouts. 

In a video released Saturday morning, Nwaeke said he is currently working in Abuja.

Late on Friday, Florence, Nwaeke’s wife, told journalists that she could no longer communicate with Nwaeke after he granted an interview about the political crisis in Rivers.

Florence said Nwaeke informed her of his trip to Abuja and his subsequent arrival but noted that things seemed suspicious when she started receiving telephone calls about the interview he granted.

According to Florence, the actions were inconsistent with Nwaeke’s character.

Hours after her outcry, another video of her asking Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers, for help surfaced.

Nwaeke subsequently responded with a corresponding video but not to support his wife.

“I am in Transcorp Abuja,” he said in the video.

“I arrived this morning from Port Harcourt to meet security agencies and report myself, as well as the troubling events happening in Rivers state.

“I resigned as head of service on Monday the 24th because of these developments.

“After the first interview I granted, 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.

“When I was head of service, my wife was not involved in my official duties. That script she read is null and void. I am safe and sound. I will report myself to the appropriate security agencies because Abuja houses their headquarters, and I feel safer making my report here.”

Nwaeke did not mention why he intends to submit himself to security agencies.

His wife had alleged that he resigned as head of service because he was asked to sign a document saying Fubara failed to declare N50 billion.