Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed claims that he was involved in the October 29, 2023, fire at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex.
The allegations were made by former Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke, who accused both Fubara and Ehie of orchestrating the arson. However, appearing on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ehie strongly denied any involvement.
“It is very important to clarify that I was not, I had no hand and was not part of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” Ehie stated.
He further explained that he only learned about the fire like everyone else on the morning of October 30, 2023.
To counter Nwaeke’s allegations, Ehie revealed that he has instructed his lawyers to file a criminal libel lawsuit against him.
“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 said.
Ehie also suggested that Speaker Martins Amaewhule should be investigated regarding the incident, alleging that the fire broke out shortly after security personnel allowed Amaewhule’s convoy into the complex.
He further accused Nwaeke of acting under political pressure, claiming that the former head of service had “betrayed his conscience” in pursuit of financial gain.
The Chief of Staff also refuted claims of a close relationship between Nwaeke and Governor Fubara, challenging Nwaeke to provide evidence of any private meetings with the governor.
“George Nwaeke has never, he is not even in the protocol list of those who can have uninterrupted access to the governor,” Ehie insisted.
He maintained that Government House security records and DSS clearance records would confirm that Nwaeke had no unrestricted access to Fubara.
“I challenge George Nwaeke to mention from the 29th of October 2023, like he claimed, to the other day when he visited Government House, either at odd hours without prior clearance from the DSS, to say that he discussed with the governor. Let him show the record. There is none,” Ehie declared.
