Rivers Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, alleges he was offered N5bn to impeach Governor Fubara. He denies involvement in the Assembly bombing and plans to sue ex-Head of Service George Nwaeke for libel. The claims emerge amid Rivers State’s deepening political crisis following Fubara’s suspension by the federal government.
Rivers State Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, has alleged that he was offered a staggering N5 billion to facilitate the impeachment of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ehie claimed to have evidence of the bribe offer stored on his phone, which he has printed and distributed for security reasons.
According to Ehie, the alleged bribe attempt occurred in October 2023 while he was serving as Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He insisted that he rejected the offer and remained loyal to Fubara despite political pressures.
The controversy deepened after former Rivers Head of Service, George Nwaeke, accused Ehie of orchestrating the October 30, 2023, bombing of the Rivers State Assembly complex. Nwaeke alleged that he witnessed Ehie receiving a bag of money at the Government House for the operation but admitted he could not verify its contents.
Ehie dismissed the claim as politically motivated, stating that he had no involvement in the incident. He further revealed that he had instructed his legal team to sue Nwaeke for criminal libel, challenging him to provide evidence for his accusations.
The allegations come amid a broader political crisis in Rivers State, where a fallout between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has led to escalating tensions. The crisis prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on March 18, leading to the suspension of Fubara and his deputy. On March 26, the newly appointed sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, further dissolved all political offices in the state.
With Rivers State’s political landscape in turmoil, the unfolding drama raises questions about the power struggle between Fubara and Wike’s camp, leaving the future of governance in the state uncertain.
