Rivers Chief of Staff : I was offered N5bn bribe to impeach Fubara

Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has claimed that he was offered N5 billion to facilitate the impeachment of his superior.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ehie asserted that he possesses evidence of the bribe proposal saved on his mobile device.

“I can show you the evidence on my phone from early October 2023, when I was approached with a bribe of N5 billion. It is documented here,” he stated.

“This was intended for impeachment purposes. I have printed copies and distributed them, anticipating any malicious actions against me. I have a son and a brother to protect,” he added.

Ehie mentioned that the bribe offer was made during his tenure as the majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Additionally, he refuted allegations that he was involved in the bombing of the Rivers Assembly complex on October 30, 2023, purportedly at Fubara’s behest.

These accusations were brought forth by George Nwaeke, a former Head of Service in the state, during a press conference last Friday. Nwaeke claimed to have witnessed a bag of money being given to Ehie at the Government House for the operation, although he conceded that he was unaware of the amount.

Ehie dismissed these allegations as unfounded and politically motivated, stating, “It is crucial to clarify that I had no involvement in the destruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“Like everyone else, I woke up on the morning of October 30, 2023, to learn about the fire at the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

He revealed that he has instructed his legal team to initiate a lawsuit against Nwaeke for criminal libel.

“I will refrain from engaging in further disputes with Mr. George Nwaeke, as I have already directed my lawyers to pursue a case of criminal libel against him. I trust he is prepared to substantiate his claims and allegations,” he remarked.

Ehie also alleged that Nwaeke had requested financial support from him on the same day he resigned from his position as head of service.

Rivers State has experienced significant unrest following the conflict between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

On March 18, President Bola Tinubu announced a state of emergency in the region, leading to the suspension of both the governor and his deputy.

Following this, on March 26, Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers State, took the step of suspending all political officeholders within the state.