The group issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Simplified Movement in Etche and Omuma to tender a public and unreserved apology to Dr. George Nwaeke and the Ogbakor Etche Sociocultural Organization. It warned that failure to comply could lead to further action to defend the integrity and pride of the Etche people.
The Etche People’s Liberation Congress (EPLC), a leading pressure group representing the interests of the indigenous oil-producing communities in Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas of Rivers State, has issued a strongly worded response to what it described as a futile and infantile political gang-up against Dr. George Nwaeke, one of the most accomplished civil servants of Etche origin.
In a statement signed by its leadership, the EPLC condemned a recent press conference organized by members of the Simplified Movement in Etche and Omuma, accusing the group of spreading misinformation and attempting to falsely speak on behalf of the Etche people.
The group stated that the only recognized body with the authority to represent the Etche ethnic nationality is the Ogbakor Etche Sociocultural Organization Worldwide. Any other group attempting to assume that role, the EPLC said, is violating cultural protocols and acting in gross insubordination.
Defending Dr. George Nwaeke, the group described him as a seasoned chartered accountant and certified administrator who has served Rivers State in numerous capacities for decades.
According to the statement, Dr. Nwaeke served as Sole Administrator of Abua/Odua LGA in 1998, held the position of Director of Finance and Accounts in several ministries for over a decade, and was a Permanent Secretary in key ministries, including the Office of the Secretary to the State Government. He later rose to become the Head of Service, a position he held with distinction.
The EPLC described as absurd the allegation that Dr. Nwaeke made certain media statements against the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his Chief of Staff, Hon. Edison Ehie, due to financial distress. The group called the claim a public deception and an insult to a man known for both integrity and affluence.
The EPLC also expressed outrage at what it called the use of derogatory language by members of the Simplified Movement against Dr. Nwaeke. The group described these attacks as laughable and unreasonable, especially coming from individuals with questionable political records.
Citing specific names, the statement accused Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke of being a serial political defector who has consistently failed to deliver meaningful development to Etche. It also named Chief Ambrose Igbokwe Nwuzi as a political trader, and Hon. Emmanuel Okatta as an unstable political neophyte with a history of underwhelming performance. Others mentioned include Hon. John Otamiri (aka Ngubo), described as a political support vendor who was rejected by Etche people in the last local government elections, and Hon. Uche Maximus Nwafor, who was portrayed as an inexperienced political appointee turned defector.
The statement further alleged that Hon. Uzodinma Nwafor and Hon. Promise Reginald, both former local government chairmen of Etche and Omuma respectively, are facing imminent investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for misappropriating over ₦7 billion in public funds. The EPLC said these are the same individuals now leading a campaign against Dr. Nwaeke not out of public interest but in pursuit of selfish political survival and personal gain.
The group issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Simplified Movement in Etche and Omuma to tender a public and unreserved apology to Dr. George Nwaeke and the Ogbakor Etche Sociocultural Organization. It warned that failure to comply could lead to further action to defend the integrity and pride of the Etche people.
However, the EPLC commended the efforts of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibo-Ete Ibas (Rtd), for reforms carried out across local government administrations and state agencies. It also expressed full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, applauding his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as a timely and courageous decision aimed at restoring order and good governance.
Signed:
Snr Comrade Japhet Ogbueri, National Leader
Comrade Garshon Bob Achor, National Scribe
Sir Samuel Obilor, Deputy National Leader
Chief Sir Emma Solomon Nwankwo, Chairman Board of Trustees
