The political crisis in Rivers State has taken another twist as Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has alleged that he was offered N5 billion to facilitate the impeachment of his principal.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ehie insisted he has evidence of the bribery attempt saved on his phone.
“I can also open my phone to show you, in the beginning of October 2023, when they approached me with a bribe of N5 billion. It is here in my phone,” he stated.
“It was for impeachment. It’s here. I have it and I have printed it and distributed it, in case, in their evil imagination, they decide to attack me. I already have a son and a brother.”
Ehie, who was serving as majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly at the time, said he rejected the offer, reaffirming his commitment to the people of Rivers State.
He also dismissed allegations that he was responsible for the October 30, 2023, arson attack on the Rivers State House of Assembly. The accusation was made by former Head of Service, George Nwaeke, who alleged that he witnessed a bag of money being handed to Ehie at Government House to execute the attack.
Refuting the claims, Ehie stated: “It is very important to clarify that I had no hand and was not part of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Like everyone else, I woke up in the early hours of October 30, 2023, to hear of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
Ehie has since directed his lawyers to take legal action against Nwaeke, accusing him of criminal libel and challenging him to provide evidence to support his claims.
“I will not join issues completely with Mr. George Nwaeke because I have already instructed my lawyers to file an issue of criminal libel against him, and I hope he is very prepared to substantiate his claims and his allegations,” he added.
The Chief of Staff further alleged that Nwaeke had sought financial assistance from him on the same day he resigned as head of service, questioning his motives in making these accusations.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has vowed to continue defending the interests of Rivers people, as civil society groups prepare to sue President Bola Tinubu’s appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State over allegations of financial mismanagement.
