Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has alleged that he was offered a N5 billion bribe to facilitate his principal’s impeachment.
Speaking on Sunday Politics, a program on Channels Television, Ehie claimed to possess evidence of the bribery attempt, which he said is stored on his mobile phone.
“I can open my phone to show you evidence from early October 2023, when I was approached with a N5 billion bribe. The offer was specifically for impeachment. I have documented and printed the evidence, and I have distributed copies in case, in their evil imagination, they decide to attack me. I already have a son and a brother,” he stated.
Ehie revealed that the alleged offer was made while he served as the Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Denies Involvement in Assembly Complex Fire
The Chief of Staff also dismissed allegations that he orchestrated the October 30, 2023, fire at the Rivers State House of Assembly on Governor Fubara’s orders.
The claim was initially made by former Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke, during a press conference last Friday. Nwaeke alleged that he witnessed a bag of money being handed over to Ehie at the Government House for the operation, though he admitted he was unaware of the exact sum.
Rejecting the accusation as baseless and politically motivated, Ehie stated:
“I had no involvement in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Like everyone else, I woke up in the early hours of October 30, 2023, to hear about the incident.”
He further disclosed that he had instructed his legal team to initiate a criminal libel lawsuit against Nwaeke.
“I will not engage in a war of words with Mr. George Nwaeke. My lawyers have already been directed to file a case of criminal libel against him, and I hope he is prepared to substantiate his claims,” Ehie 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 mired in political turmoil following a rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of both the governor and his deputy.
In a further development on March 26, the state’s sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, suspended all political officeholders.
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