Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has alleged that he was offered a N5 billion bribe to facilitate the governor’s impeachment. Speaking on a televised interview, Ehie claimed to possess evidence of the bribe offer stored on his phone. He stated, “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 on my phone.”

Ehie, who previously served as the Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, did not disclose the identities of those who allegedly attempted to bribe him. However, it is speculated that the offer may have originated from political figures aligned with former Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The political landscape in Rivers State has been marked by tensions between supporters of Wike and Governor Fubara, leading to divisions within the state assembly.

This revelation comes amid ongoing political unrest in Rivers State, with factions within the state assembly attempting to impeach Governor Fubara since 2023. Ehie’s disclosure adds complexity to the state’s political dynamics and raises concerns about the integrity of legislative processes.

Ehie has indicated that he has documented and distributed the evidence of the bribe offer to trusted individuals for his safety. He emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.

As the situation develops, stakeholders in Rivers State are closely monitoring the implications of these allegations on the state’s political stability and governance.