Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has denied allegations linking him to the fire that engulfed the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex on October 29, 2023.
Former Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke, recently claimed that both Fubara and Ehie orchestrated the incident. However, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ehie dismissed the accusation, stating he had no involvement.
“It is very important to clarify that I was not involved in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” Ehie stated. “Like everyone else, I woke up on October 30, 2023, to the news of the fire.”
In response to Nwaeke’s claims, Ehie has instructed his legal team to pursue a criminal libel lawsuit.
“I will not engage in a back-and-forth with Mr. George Nwaeke. I have already directed my lawyers to file a case of criminal libel against him. I hope he is prepared to substantiate his allegations,” he said.
Ehie further suggested that the Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, should be questioned about the fire, alleging that it began shortly after security personnel permitted the speaker’s convoy to enter the complex.
He also criticized Nwaeke’s motives, accusing him of acting under the influence of political figures seeking personal gain. Ehie revealed WhatsApp messages purportedly showing Nwaeke requesting financial assistance after resigning as head of service.
“George is not a contented man,” he remarked, questioning Nwaeke’s state of mind and credibility.
The Chief of Staff also refuted claims that Nwaeke had a close relationship with Fubara, asserting that the former head of service had no private access to the governor.
PHOTO of Edison Ehie (L) and George Nwaeke (R)
“George Nwaeke is not even on the protocol list of those with direct access to the governor,” Ehie said. “I challenge him to provide evidence of any private meetings with Governor Fubara without prior security clearance.”
This development adds another layer of controversy to the political landscape in Rivers State as tensions continue to mount.
