The political crisis in Rivers State took another dramatic turn today as Edison Ehie, the embattled former Speaker of the State Assembly, vehemently denied involvement in last year’s legislative complex fire while announcing plans to sue Ogbonna Nwaeke for libel over what he called “baseless and malicious accusations.”
The controversy erupted when Nwaeke, a political opponent and vocal critic of Ehie, publicly accused the former Speaker of orchestrating the October 2023 inferno that gutted portions of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex. In a televised interview that has since gone viral, Nwaeke claimed to possess “credible evidence” linking Ehie to the arson attack that occurred during the peak of the political crisis between former Governor Nyesom Wike and current Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Ehie’s response came swiftly and unequivocally during a press briefing at his Port Harcourt residence. These allegations are not only false but represent a dangerous attempt to malign my character and rewrite history,” the former Speaker stated, his voice rising with emotion. I had no hand, act, or part in that unfortunate incident, and I challenge anyone with contrary evidence to present it publicly.”
The fire in question occurred on October 29, 2023, during a particularly volatile period that saw parallel legislative sessions, impeachment attempts, and violent clashes between political factions. The damaged complex became a potent symbol of the political warfare between Wike loyalists and supporters of Governor Fubara, with each side blaming the other for the destruction.
Security sources at the time suggested the fire may have been set to destroy evidence related to the impeachment proceedings against then-Governor Fubara, though official investigations have yet to yield conclusive findings. The complex has since undergone renovations, but the mystery surrounding its burning has continued to fuel political tensions.
Rather than simply denying the allegations, Ehie went on the offensive, announcing his legal team would file a defamation suit against Nwaeke within days. “We cannot allow political desperation to degenerate into character assassination,” Ehie declared. “Mr. Nwaeke will have his day in court to either prove his wild claims or face the consequences of spreading falsehoods.
Legal experts suggest the libel case could hinge on whether Nwaeke can substantiate his claims. In defamation cases involving public figures, the burden shifts to the defendant to prove the truth of their statements,” explained Port Harcourt-based constitutional lawyer Emeka Nwokocha. “If Nwaeke cannot produce credible evidence, this could prove very costly for him.”
Analysts view this latest development as part of the ongoing proxy war between the Wike and Fubara political camps. Ehie, as a key Fubara ally, represents one faction in the struggle for control of Rivers’ political machinery ahead of the 2027 elections.
Nwaeke’s allegations didn’t emerge in a vacuum,” noted political scientist Professor Blessing Agbam. This is clearly an attempt to discredit one of Fubara’s most visible supporters while the battle for control of the state’s political structures intensifies.”
The timing is particularly sensitive as both factions jockey for position ahead of local government elections and the 2027 gubernatorial race. Ehie’s threat of legal action raises the stakes considerably, potentially forcing witnesses and evidence into the open.
The renewed focus on the Assembly fire has sparked concerns about possible violence. Rivers State Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu has reportedly placed officers on alert, telling journalists that “the security apparatus will not tolerate any breakdown of law and order stemming from these political disputes.
Public opinion appears divided. At the Port Harcourt main market, trader Grace Amadi told our correspondent, “These politicians should focus on fixing our roads and hospitals instead of fighting over who burned what.” Meanwhile, at the University of Port Harcourt, student union leader Emmanuel Briggs expressed concern that “these accusations could incite youth to take sides violently.
As the legal and political drama unfolds, several key developments bear watching:
- The anticipated libel suit could force disclosure of evidence about the Assembly fire that authorities have kept confidential
- Security services may face pressure to reopen or accelerate the arson investigation
- The political fallout could influence upcoming local government elections
- International observers are likely monitoring whether this dispute affects stability in Nigeria’s oil-rich heartland
Ehie concluded his remarks with a warning to other potential accusers: “Let this be a lesson to those who would traffic in lies for political gain. The truth will always prevail, and those who peddle falsehoods will be held accountable.”
For Rivers State residents weary of perpetual political crises, the hope is that this confrontation remains in the courtroom rather than spilling onto the streets. But in a state where politics often resembles combat, few are holding their breath for calm.
