Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has made serious allegations against unnamed individuals who purportedly offered him N5 billion to orchestrate the impeachment of his principal. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ehie claimed that he has concrete evidence of the bribe offer stored on his phone, which he intends to use in case of any threats to his life.

According to Ehie, the bribe offer was made in early October 2023, when he was still serving as the majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He asserted that he has retained both the evidence of the offer on his phone and hard copies, adding that these documents were distributed to others for safekeeping. “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 said during the interview. Ehie expressed that he was willing to make these details public, especially should any harm come to him, stating, “I already have a son and a brother,” hinting at the potential risks he believes he faces from the alleged individuals behind the bribe offer.

Denial of Alleged Role in Rivers Assembly Bombing

In addition to the bribe allegations, Ehie also addressed accusations that he was involved in the bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex on October 30, 2023. These allegations were made public by a former Head of Service in the state, George Nwaeke, who claimed that he witnessed a bag of money being handed over to Ehie at the Government House for the operation. Nwaeke, however, admitted that he did not know the exact amount of money involved.

Ehie vehemently denied these claims, dismissing them as politically motivated. He stated that he had no involvement in the attack on the Assembly, a major incident that occurred in the early hours of October 30, 2023. “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,” Ehie said. He explained that, like many other citizens, he woke up to the news of the bombing and was equally shocked by the incident. Ehie further clarified that he had instructed his lawyers to file a lawsuit against Nwaeke for criminal libel, aiming to clear his name. “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,” Ehie added.

Financial Assistance Request by Nwaeke

In a dramatic twist, Ehie alleged that Nwaeke sought financial assistance from him on the same day he resigned as the Head of Service. This accusation adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing political drama within Rivers State. According to Ehie, Nwaeke’s request for financial aid came amid the fallout between Governor Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, which has further destabilized the state’s political climate.

Political Turmoil in Rivers State

Rivers State has been experiencing significant political unrest following the strained relationship between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The conflict reached a boiling point on March 18, when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state and suspended both Fubara and his deputy, effectively taking control of the situation. In the aftermath of the suspension, the state’s political landscape was further shaken when, on March 26, Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers State, suspended all political officeholders in the state.

The tension in the state has not only affected the political structure but has also raised questions about the stability of governance in Rivers. The power struggles, public accusations, and bombings have highlighted the fragile state of political relations in the region. This unrest has left many citizens uncertain about the future of the state, especially with the heightened security concerns and the ongoing legal battles surrounding the political leaders involved.

Legal and Political Ramifications for Rivers State

The ongoing conflict in Rivers State, particularly the allegations made by Ehie and Nwaeke, is a reflection of the broader instability in the state’s governance. The claims of bribery, the bombing of the state’s legislative building, and the accusations of libel all contribute to an already volatile political situation. As the state faces a transition of leadership, with the suspension of political officeholders and the involvement of federal authorities, the future of Rivers State’s political landscape remains uncertain.

The legal proceedings, particularly the libel suit against Nwaeke, could have far-reaching implications for the individuals involved and the political climate in Rivers State. With President Tinubu’s intervention and the continued fallout from Fubara’s suspension, it is clear that the political tensions in Rivers State are far from resolved. The resolution of these issues will require careful navigation, as the legal and political battles unfold in the coming months.