The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new turn as the chief of staff to the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Edison Ehie, has alleged that he was offered a bribe of N5 billion to coordinate the impeachment of his principal.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ehie claimed that he has evidence of the bribe offer stored on his phone and has taken steps to protect himself.
“I can also open my phone to show you, at the beginning of October 2023, when they approached me with a bribe of N5 billion. It is here in my phone. It was for impeachment. It’s here. I have it, and I have printed it and distributed it, in case, in their evil imagination, they decide to attack me. I already have a son and a brother,” he stated.
Alleged Bribery Attempt Amid Political Crisis
Ehie, who was serving as the majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly at the time, disclosed that the offer was made in a bid to oust Fubara from office.
The Rivers’ political landscape has been turbulent since Fubara’s fallout with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The bribery allegation comes in the wake of a broader power struggle between factions loyal to Fubara and those aligned with Wike. This rift has led to several political upheavals, including attempts to impeach the governor and violent clashes in the state.
Denial of Arson Allegations
Ehie also used the interview to dismiss claims that he was involved in the October 30, 2023, bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex. The accusation was made by a former head of service in the state, 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 to execute the operation, though he admitted he did not know the amount inside.
Dismissing the claims as false and politically motivated, Ehie stated, “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. Like everyone else, I woke up in the early hours of 30th of October 2023 to hear of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
Legal Action Against Nwaeke
In response to the allegations, Ehie revealed that he has instructed his lawyers to file a lawsuit against Nwaeke for criminal libel.
“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 declared.
Furthermore, Ehie alleged that Nwaeke had sought financial assistance from him on the same day he resigned as the state’s Head of Service. He suggested that Nwaeke’s allegations were politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
Political Fallout in Rivers State
The crisis in Rivers State has escalated significantly since Fubara’s political disagreement with Wike. On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, suspending both Fubara and his deputy.
The move was seen as an attempt to restore order amid growing tensions.
Subsequently, on March 26, the newly appointed sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, suspended all political officeholders in the state.
This drastic action has left Rivers State in a state of political uncertainty, with key stakeholders awaiting the next developments.
As tensions continue to rise, the allegations made by Ehie add another layer to the ongoing political drama in Rivers State.
The coming weeks may reveal further details as investigations into the bribery claims and arson accusations unfold.
