Ex-Rivers Speaker Claims He Rejected N5bn Bribe To Impeach Fubara
Former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Edison Ehie, has alleged that he was offered a N5 billion bribe to support the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara but turned it down.
Ehie, now Chief of Staff to the governor, made the claim during a televised interview, describing Fubara as a man of peace and insisting he refused the bribe when he realised its purpose.
“The governor is a man of peace. The governor decided to follow the way of conflict resolution. In October, I was approached with N5 billion bribe against the governor but I refused. The bribe was for impeachment, but I turned it down,” he said.
Reacting to allegations by former Head of Service, George Nwaeke, on the bombing of the State Assembly, Ehie denied any involvement, accusing Nwaeke of monetary compromise.
“It’s very important to clarify that I was not, had no hand in the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly. I have no hand, not privy, no information. We just woke up and heard that the Assembly had been bombed. We have finished screening commissioner and left the complex. We didn’t adjourn to 30 October, 2023 when we finished sitting. 29th October was being a Sunday.”
He alleged that security operatives during the investigation claimed to have seen the Speaker’s convoy leaving the Assembly.
“Once it is 6pm, it is only one person that has access to the complex, and that is the Speaker,” he said.
Ehie also accused Nwaeke of seeking financial assistance from the governor after resigning.
“George Nwaeke resigned on March 24, 2025, by Tuesday, March 25, 2025, he was appealing that the governor should give him money, that he doesn’t have a better house and other helps. The problem is that of contentment. He is not a contended man. He was requesting for money. The governor wouldn’t have given him money as at that time because he has already tendered his resignation letter, stating that he cannot work with a government that is not led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.”
On the allegation that Fubara refused to reconstruct the Assembly complex after its destruction, Ehie insisted that work was nearly complete.
“The job is 80% completed and the contractor fully paid. The administrator on visit to the complex confirmed that is almost completed.”
Meanwhile, former PDP National Chairman Audu Ogbeh has criticised the appointment of military administrators in states under emergency rule, warning that it undermines democracy.
“The only other thing that I’m asking is: Why is it that each time there is this suspension of a governor, a military person is put back in place? Do we miss military rule or are we suggesting that civilians are incapable of governing themselves?
“Obasanjo did it twice, in fact, thrice, and we have it again. What’s the logic? This is why, in the first place, this whole imposition of a state of emergency should be avoided.
“Since the constitution doesn’t say you can only pick this or that person, the president is free to do so, but it’s also sending a funny signal that civilians can’t do the job themselves.
“That’s not a good one. That’s why civilians themselves should be more responsible. Elected individuals should behave themselves and not carry on as if it’s a holiday and that they can do as they wish because they are sending the wrong signal to society.”
Additionally, the Rivers State Police Command has intensified security measures across the state ahead of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations. The command stated that all prayer grounds, markets, and public places would be secured to prevent potential threats.
“These measures are aimed at preventing any potential security threats and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors before, during and after the festive period. The deployment will cover all prayer grounds, recreational centers, markets, motor parks, and other public places where large gatherings are expected.
“Special attention will also be given to flashpoints, entry and exit points, and major highways, including all waterways to prevent criminal activities and ensure safe and secured environment for all citizens.”
The police also assured residents of rapid response strategies.
“The Command has activated a rapid response strategy, with patrol teams and undercover operatives deployed to strategic locations.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
