In a shocking revelation, Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has alleged that he was offered a bribe of N5 billion to facilitate the impeachment of his principal.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ehie claimed that the bribery offer was made to him as early as October 2023 and that he has concrete evidence stored on his phone.
“I can open my phone to show you the details. In the beginning of October 2023, I was approached with a bribe of N5 billion, specifically for impeachment purposes. It’s all right here in my phone,” Ehie said.
“I’ve also printed out copies and distributed them, just in case their evil intentions take a turn. I already have a son and a brother, so I’m prepared for anything.”
Ehie, who was also the majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly at the time, categorically denied any involvement in the controversial bombing of the state assembly on October 30, 2023.
His response came after accusations by former Head of Service, George Nwaeke, who claimed during a press conference last Friday that he had witnessed a bag of money being handed to Ehie at the Government House, allegedly in connection to the bombing. However, Nwaeke admitted he was unaware of the exact amount in the bag.
Dismissing Nwaeke’s claims as “false” and “politically motivated,” Ehie stated, “It’s essential to clarify that I had no involvement in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Like everyone else, I woke up on the morning of October 30 to the news of the fire.”
Ehie further emphasized his intention to pursue legal action against Nwaeke, revealing he had instructed his legal team to file a lawsuit for criminal libel.
“I won’t engage in further public arguments with Mr. George Nwaeke, as my lawyers are already preparing a criminal libel case against him. I hope he’s ready to back up his allegations,” he asserted.
In addition, Ehie claimed that on the same day Nwaeke resigned as the Head of Service, he had asked him for financial assistance.
Rivers State has been in political turmoil following the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory.
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, leading to the suspension of both the governor and his deputy. On March 26, the sole administrator of the state, Ibok-Ete Ibas, also suspended all political officeholders in Rivers.
