Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has denied any involvement in the explosion at the Rivers State House of Assembly on October 29, 2023.
In a recent interview, Ehie emphasized that only the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, had access to the Assembly complex after working hours and on weekends. He suggested that Amaewhule should be questioned regarding the explosion that damaged the legislative chambers.
“It is important to clarify that I had no hand in the burning of the Rivers State Assembly,” Ehie stated during his appearance on Channels Television on Sunday, March 30.
He also claimed that 10 witnesses, including senior police officers, testified in a Federal High Court in Abuja. According to Ehie, these witnesses confirmed that Speaker Amaewhule’s convoy was present at the Assembly complex on the night of the explosion.
On Friday, former Rivers State Head of Civil Service, George Nweke, accused Governor Fubara of being responsible for the explosion, with Ehie as an accomplice.
In response, Ehie dismissed Nweke’s claims and announced that he had instructed his lawyers to file a case of criminal libel against him.
“I will not engage in arguments with George Nweke because my lawyers will handle the matter. He must be ready to prove his allegations,” Ehie said.
He also suggested that Nweke made these accusations due to political pressure and financial interests.
Ehie criticized Nweke’s credibility, pointing out that his wife had publicly expressed concern over his sudden disappearance over the weekend.
He further alleged that Nweke had betrayed his values and family for personal gain. As proof, Ehie shared WhatsApp messages where Nweke allegedly asked for financial help after resigning as Head of Service.
According to Ehie, Nweke never played a key role in Rivers State governance and never had private meetings with Governor Fubara. He challenged Nweke to provide proof of any private meeting with the governor without security clearance.
As the controversy surrounding the explosion continues, the accusations and counter-accusations among political figures in Rivers State raise more questions about what truly happened on October 29, 2023.
Ehie stated, “George Nwaeke has never, he is not even in the protocol list of those who can have uninterrupted access to the governor.
“The records are in the Government House. The security clearance of the Government House, which I superintend or supervise, is with the DSS.
“I challenge George Nwaeke to mention from the 29th of October 2023, like he claimed, to the other day when he visited Government House, either at odd hours without prior clearance from the DSS, to say that he discussed with the governor. Let him show the record. There is none.” he said
