Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has alleged that he was offered a ₦5 billion bribe to lead the impeachment of his principal.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ehie claimed he has concrete evidence of the bribe attempt stored on his phone.
“I can open my phone to show you. In early October 2023, I was approached with a ₦5 billion bribe for impeachment. I have the evidence printed and distributed, just in case of any attack on me,” he stated.
Ehie revealed that the offer was made while he was serving as the Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Denies Role in Rivers Assembly Fire
The Chief of Staff also dismissed allegations that he orchestrated the October 30, 2023, bombing of the Rivers Assembly complex on Fubara’s orders.
The accusation was made by George Nwaeke, a former Head of Service in Rivers State, during a press conference last Friday.
Nwaeke had alleged that he saw a bag of money being handed to Ehie at the Government House to carry out the operation, though he admitted he did not know the amount inside.
Dismissing the claims as false and politically motivated, Ehie said:
“I had no hand in and was not part of the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Like everyone else, I woke up on October 30, 2023, to hear about it.”
He further disclosed that he had instructed his lawyers to file a lawsuit against Nwaeke for criminal libel.
“I won’t engage in a war of words with Mr. George Nwaeke. My lawyers have been instructed to take legal action against him, and I hope he is prepared to substantiate his claims,” he added.
Political Crisis in Rivers State
Ehie also alleged that Nwaeke had sought financial assistance from him on the same day he resigned as Head of Service.
Rivers State has been engulfed in political turmoil following Fubara’s fallout with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state and suspended both Governor Fubara and his deputy.
Subsequently, on March 26, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, suspended all political officeholders in the state.
