Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has alleged that he was offered a bribe of N5 billion to facilitate the impeachment of his principal.

Speaking on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television program, Ehie claimed he has evidence of the offer stored on his phone.

“I can open my phone and show you. In early October 2023, I was approached with a bribe of N5 billion for impeachment. It’s here on my phone,” he asserted.

Ehie, who previously served as Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, stated that he had printed and distributed copies of the evidence to protect himself from potential threats.

Denies Role in Assembly Bombing

The Chief of Staff also refuted allegations that he orchestrated the October 30, 2023, bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly on Governor Fubara’s orders.

The accusation was made by a former Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke, during a press conference last Friday. Nwaeke alleged that he witnessed a bag of money being handed to Ehie at the Government House to execute the attack, though he admitted he was unaware of the exact sum.

Ehie dismissed the claims as politically motivated.

“I had no hand in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Like everyone else, I woke up on October 30 to hear about the incident,” he stated.

He further revealed that he had instructed his legal team to file a lawsuit against Nwaeke for criminal libel.

“I won’t engage in a war of words with Mr. George Nwaeke. My lawyers have been instructed to take legal action, and I hope he is prepared to substantiate his claims,” Ehie said.

Additionally, he alleged that Nwaeke had sought financial assistance from him on the same day he resigned as Head of Service.

Political Crisis Deepens

Rivers State has been engulfed in political turmoil following Governor Fubara’s fallout with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, suspending both the governor and his deputy. A week later, on March 26, Rivers’ Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, announced the suspension of all political officeholders in the state, further deepening the crisis.