Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Edison Ehie, chief of staff to suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has alleged that there were attempts to bribe him with N5 billion to facilitate the impeachment of his principal. He made this startling claim during an appearance on ‘Sunday Politics’ on Channels Television.
Ehie stated that the bribery attempt occurred in early October 2023, while he was still serving as majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly. ‘I can show you on my phone the exact details,’ he insisted. ‘The bribe was offered to me for impeachment, and I also have printed copies distributed in case anyone thinks of attacking me. I have a son and a brother to protect,’ he added.
In a separate development, Ehie denied allegations made by George Nwaeke, former head of service in Rivers State, who claimed that Governor Fubara directed him to orchestrate the bombing of the Rivers State Assembly on October 30, 2023. Nwaeke alleged that he witnessed a transfer of money to Ehie for this operation, although he did not know the amount.
During the program, Ehie refuted the accusations, calling them false and politically motivated. ‘I had no part in the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Like others, I woke up to the news of the incident,’ he explained.
He added, ‘I will not engage completely with Mr. Nwaeke because I have instructed my lawyers to file a case of criminal libel against him. I hope he is prepared to substantiate his claims.’
Ehie also expressed that Nwaeke had sought financial assistance from him on the very same day he resigned as head of service, raising questions about the motivations behind the allegations.
Rivers State has faced significant political turmoil since Fubara severed ties with former governor Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Following this fallout, on March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers and suspended both the governor and his deputy. Shortly thereafter, on March 26, Ibok-Ete Ibas, was appointed as the sole administrator for the state, overseeing the activities of all political office holders in Rivers.
