By CHUKWUMA OFILLI
In a shocking revelation that could reshape the political landscape of Rivers State, Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has accused former Governor Nyesom Wike of attempting to bribe him with N5 billion to betray his principal. This explosive allegation comes amidst rising tensions and ongoing political strife in the region.
**Details of the Allegation**
In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program, Ehie disclosed that the bribery attempt occurred during his tenure as the Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He maintained that he possesses concrete evidence of Wike’s offer, currently stored on his mobile phone. “I was approached with a promise of N5 billion to betray my governor, but I refused. The evidence is still on my phone,” Ehie asserted, highlighting his loyalty to Fubara.
**Countering Accusations**
Ehie also took the opportunity to refute claims made by George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of Rivers State, who alleged that Ehie orchestrated a bombing incident at the state assembly complex on Fubara’s orders. Citing police reports as proof, Ehie clarified that the convoy leading to the assembly complex before the explosion belonged to Speaker Martins Amaewhule. “The security reports show that the last people who accessed the Assembly before it was bombed were those in the Speaker’s convoy. I had no hand in it,” he emphasized.
**Allegations of Greed and Influence**
The Chief of Staff did not hold back in his criticism of Nwaeke, suggesting that the former Head of Service’s accusations were driven by greed and external influence from Wike’s associates. Ehie claimed that on the very day Nwaeke tendered his resignation, he solicited financial assistance from him. “Wike’s issue is greed. I have evidence that he was begging me for money on the same day he resigned,” Ehie stated, positioning Nwaeke’s statements as premeditated and suspicious.
The allegations made by Edison Ehie add fuel to the already intense political climate in Rivers State, highlighting the ongoing rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. As these accusations unravel, they raise significant questions about loyalty, integrity, and the lengths political figures may go to secure their power. With evidence allegedly in hand, the resolution of these claims could have profound implications for the future of Rivers State’s governance.
