In a shocking revelation that has further deepened the political crisis in Rivers State, Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has claimed he turned down a staggering N5 billion bribe offered to facilitate the impeachment of his principal. The allegation comes amid escalating tensions in the oil-rich state’s governance structure.
Speaking during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program, Ehie made the startling disclosure while defending himself against accusations of orchestrating violence at the State Assembly complex.
I can also open my phone to show you, in the beginning of October 2023, when they approached me with a bribe of N5 billion. It is here in my phone,” Ehie declared, suggesting he has documented evidence of the alleged bribe attempt. “It was for impeachment. It’s here. I have it and I have printed it and distributed it, in case, in their evil imagination, they decide to attack me. I already have a son and a brother.
The timing of the alleged bribe is particularly significant as it reportedly occurred while Ehie was serving as majority leader in the Rivers State House of Assembly, positioning him as a crucial figure in any potential impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.
Ehie’s revelation adds another layer of intrigue to Rivers State’s ongoing political drama, which erupted into public view in October 2023 when the state assembly complex was damaged in what some described as an explosion. The incident marked a critical point in the power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Federal Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
During his television appearance, Ehie vehemently denied accusations made by George Nwaeke, a former Head of Service in Rivers State, who had alleged during a press conference that Ehie masterminded the October 30, 2023, bombing of the Rivers Assembly complex on Governor Fubara’s orders.
The political crisis in Rivers State has persisted for months, with various attempts to remove Governor Fubara from office. The situation has created deep divisions within the state’s political class and drawn national attention to governance challenges in one of Nigeria’s wealthiest states.
Political analysts view Ehie’s allegations as particularly damaging given his position as both a former legislative leader and current Chief of Staff to the governor. His claim suggests that significant financial resources were being deployed in the political maneuvering against Fubara, raising questions about the motivations and interests at play in the state’s power struggle.
The relationship between Governor Fubara and his predecessor Wike has deteriorated significantly since Fubara assumed office. Despite initially being seen as Wike’s political protégé, Fubara has increasingly asserted his independence, leading to friction between the two political figures and their respective supporters.
Rivers State, a key oil-producing region in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, has long been characterized by intense political competition given its strategic economic importance and substantial revenue allocations from the federal government. The state’s political stability has implications not only for local governance but also for Nigeria’s oil industry and broader economic interests.
The N5 billion bribe allegation comes at a critical juncture as Rivers State navigates multiple challenges, including questions about the legitimacy of Governor Fubara’s suspension and ongoing legal battles concerning the state’s governance.
Constitutional experts have noted that the political crisis tests Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly regarding the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches at the state level. The situation also highlights challenges in Nigeria’s political party system, with intra-party conflicts often escalating into governance crises.
For ordinary citizens of Rivers State, the prolonged political uncertainty has raised concerns about the impact on public service delivery and economic development. Civil society organizations have called for resolution of the political impasse to allow for focus on pressing developmental issues affecting the state’s population.
Governor Fubara, who has maintained public support from various quarters despite his suspension, has repeatedly characterized the moves against him as politically motivated. His administration has sought to continue functioning despite the challenges to his leadership.
The alleged bribe attempt, if substantiated, would represent one of the most explicit examples of financial inducement in Nigeria’s recent political history, potentially triggering investigations by anti-corruption agencies.
Nigeria’s political landscape has long grappled with allegations of financial inducements influencing political decisions, though direct evidence of such transactions is rarely made public. Ehie’s claim that he has preserved evidence of the alleged bribe offer represents an unusual development in this context.
As Rivers State’s political drama continues to unfold, observers note that the resolution will have significant implications for political alignments heading into future electoral cycles. The state’s importance to national politics ensures that developments there will continue to receive significant attention from federal authorities and political stakeholders across Nigeria.
Neither Governor Fubara nor representatives of former Governor Wike have directly responded to Ehie’s specific allegations about the N5 billion bribe offer as of press time.
