In a video circulating online from a rally in Ahoada East, Ehie alleges unidentified individuals attempted to bribe him to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.
“They invited me, your son, to impeach the governor and I told them clearly, I was not interested,” Ehie said in the video. “They gave me all the money that was hidden before, which I rejected. And because I refused, they conspired and declared me wanted.”
Ehie’s claims come amid a well-documented rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Ehie Wanted by Police
Last year, authorities in Rivers State declared Ehie wanted for his alleged involvement in the invasion of the State House of Assembly. The October 2023 incident involved an explosion and reports of lawmakers attempting to impeach Fubara.
Some reports suggest individuals close to the governor were implicated in the violence. The lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, reportedly filed criminal charges against Ehie concerning the attack on the assembly chambers.
Ehie’s recent allegations add another layer to the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State.
Deepening Rift in Rivers State Politics
Ehie’s claims come amidst a simmering political crisis in Rivers State. The state has been embroiled in a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, since Fubara’s emergence as the ruling party’s governorship candidate in 2023.
Analysts believe the frosty relationship between Fubara and Wike stems from Wike’s support for another candidate in the party primaries. Wike, a powerful figure in Rivers State politics, has publicly disagreed with some of Fubara’s decisions since taking office.
The October 2023 violence at the State House of Assembly was seen as a possible attempt to impeach Fubara. The alleged plot failed, and Ehie subsequently fled the state. His recent allegations suggest he may be seeking to improve his position by portraying himself as a loyalist to Governor Fubara.
Uncertainties Cloud Rivers State Politics
Ehie’s claims have not been independently verified, and the identities of those who allegedly offered him a bribe remain unknown. The Rivers State government has yet to respond to Ehie’s allegations.
The allegations come ahead of the 2024 national elections in Nigeria. The political climate in Rivers State is likely to remain tense in the coming months, with potential implications for the upcoming polls.
Civil Society Calls for Calm
Civil society groups in Rivers State have called for calm amid the escalating political tensions. They have urged both Fubara and Wike to prioritize peace and stability in the state.
“The people of Rivers State are yearning for good governance,” said a spokesperson for a civil society coalition. “Our leaders must work together to address the state’s pressing issues, such as poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.”
The national leadership of the ruling party has also intervened in the crisis, urging all parties involved to seek a peaceful resolution. It remains to be seen how Ehie’s allegations will impact the ongoing political imbroglio in Rivers State.
Source: Punch
