Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has claimed that he was offered a staggering N5 billion to support the governor’s impeachment.
Speaking during an interview on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, Ehie stated that he possesses proof of the alleged bribery attempt, which he has stored on his phone.
“In early October 2023, I was approached with a N5 billion offer to facilitate the impeachment of my principal. The evidence is right here on my phone,” he said.
“Not only do I have it documented, but I have also printed and shared copies to ensure my safety should anything happen to me.”
At the time of the alleged incident, Ehie was serving as the Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Additionally, he dismissed accusations that he was involved in the October 30, 2023, attack on the Rivers State Assembly complex, allegedly on the governor’s orders.
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The claim was initially made by George Nwaeke, a former Head of Service in Rivers State, during a press briefing last Friday.
Nwaeke alleged that he witnessed Ehie receiving a bag of money at the Government House for the operation, though he admitted he was unaware of the exact amount contained in it.
Ehie has denied the allegation, labelling it a politically motivated falsehood.
“I had no involvement in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Like everyone else, I woke up on October 30, 2023, to news of the incident,” he said.
The embattled Chief of Staff also revealed that he has directed his legal team to take legal action against Nwaeke for criminal libel.
“I have instructed my lawyers to file a case against Mr. George Nwaeke. He will have to provide evidence to back his allegations,” Ehie stated.
Furthermore, he disclosed that Nwaeke had approached him for financial assistance on the same day he resigned from his position as Head of Service.
The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State intensified after a rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
READ ALSO: Rivers Assembly Fire: Ehie denies involvement, to sue Nwaeke
President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state on March 18, leading to the suspension of both Fubara and his deputy.
Subsequently, on March 26, the newly appointed sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, dismissed all political officeholders in Rivers State.
