Edison Ehie Alleges N5 Billion Bribe Offer to Impeach Governor Fubara
By IDNN Political Affairs Desk | April 1, 2025
Hon. Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has alleged that he was offered a ₦5 billion bribe in 2023 to initiate the impeachment of the governor, who was then facing political turbulence.
Ehie, a former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, made the revelation during an interview on Channels Television. He described Governor Fubara as a “man of peace” and claimed he rejected the offer once he realized it was aimed at destabilizing the government.
“In October, I was approached with ₦5 billion bribe against the governor, but I refused. The bribe was for impeachment,” Ehie said.
Denies Involvement in Assembly Arson
Addressing allegations made by former Head of Service George Nwaeke, who linked him to the October 2023 bombing of the Rivers Assembly complex, Ehie denied any involvement. He accused Nwaeke of being financially compromised to push a politically motivated narrative.
“I had no hand in the bombing. We had completed a commissioner screening and left the complex. The Assembly wasn’t sitting on October 29, which was a Sunday,” he clarified.
He added that security officials who investigated the arson reported seeing the Speaker’s convoy leaving the complex around the time of the incident, implying deeper political intrigues.
Suing for Defamation
Ehie disclosed that he has directed his lawyer to file a lawsuit against Nwaeke, whom he accused of fabricating a story to implicate him and the governor.
“He resigned on March 24, 2025. Just a day later, he came back begging the governor for money, saying he didn’t have a better house. His problem is lack of contentment.”
Assembly Reconstruction Nearly Completed
On claims that Fubara demolished the Assembly complex and refused to rebuild it, Ehie said the reconstruction project is 80% completed, with the contractor fully paid.
“The Sole Administrator who visited confirmed that the building is almost done. So those accusing the governor are not being honest.”
Context: A State in Political Turmoil
The allegations come amid Rivers State’s prolonged political crisis, which led to President Bola Tinubu declaring a State of Emergency, suspending the governor and state legislators, and appointing a Sole Administrator in March 2025.
Ehie’s explosive revelations deepen the political intrigue, raising further questions about the behind-the-scenes power struggles in one of Nigeria’s most resource-rich and politically sensitive states.
