Fubara's Chief of Staff Alleges N5 Billion Bribe was Offered for Governor’s Impeachment
Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has alleged that he was offered N5 billion to coordinate the impeachment of his principal. Ehie claimed to have evidence of the bribe offer stored on his phone, stating that he received the approach in early October 2023 while serving as the majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He further revealed that he had printed and distributed copies of the evidence as a precautionary measure.
Ehie also denied allegations that he orchestrated the October 30, 2023, bombing of the Rivers Assembly complex on Fubara’s orders. The accusation was made by former Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke, during a press conference, where he claimed to have witnessed a bag of money being handed to Ehie at the Government House for the operation, though he admitted not knowing the amount inside.
Dismissing the claims as false and politically motivated, Ehie stated that he had no involvement in the attack and only learned about it like everyone else on the morning of October 30. He further disclosed that he had instructed his lawyers to file a criminal libel lawsuit against Nwaeke, expressing confidence that the former Head of Service would be unable to substantiate his allegations. Ehie also alleged that Nwaeke had sought financial assistance from him on the same day he resigned from his position.
The crisis in Rivers State escalated following Fubara’s fallout with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. In response to the political unrest, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state on March 18, suspending both the governor and his deputy. On March 26, the sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, further suspended all political officeholders in the state.
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