George Nwaeke, 

Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed allegations linking him to the burning of the state House of Assembly Complex on October 29, 2023.

Former Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke, had accused both Fubara and Ehie of orchestrating the fire, a claim Ehie firmly rejected during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program.

“It is very important to clarify that I was not, I had no hand and was not part of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” he stated.

“Like everyone else, I woke up in the early hours of 30th of October 2023 to hear of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

Ehie further revealed that he has directed his legal team to initiate a criminal libel case against Nwaeke for making false accusations.

“I will not join issues completely with Mr. George Nwaeke because I have already instructed my lawyers to file an issue of criminal libel against George Nwaeke, and I hope he is very prepared to substantiate his claims and his allegations,” he said.

He suggested that Martins Amaewhule, Speaker of the Assembly, should be investigated regarding the incident, alleging that the fire broke out shortly after security officials granted access to the speaker’s convoy.

Ehie accused Nwaeke of aligning with political adversaries for financial gain, stating that the former head of service had succumbed to the lure of “emergency riches.”

He also referenced recent concerns raised by Nwaeke’s wife over his sudden disappearance, suggesting that the episode reflected a man who had “betrayed his conscience” and his family “to own the world.”

Displaying WhatsApp messages from Nwaeke requesting financial aid following his resignation, Ehie remarked, “George is not a contented man,” implying that Nwaeke’s recent statements were not made with a clear mind.

He further argued that Nwaeke held no significant influence in the governance of Rivers State, downplaying his relevance in political affairs.

Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has alleged that he was offered ₦5 billion in October 2023 to orchestrate the governor’s impeachment.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ehie insisted that he possesses undeniable proof of the offer.

“It was for impeachment. It’s here. I have it recorded, and I have printed it and distributed it, in case, in their evil imagination, they decide to attack me or kill me,” he said.

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has described the Trans-Kalabari Road Project as a crucial initiative aimed at addressing the socioeconomic challenges faced by residents of riverine communities.

Ibas made this remark on Monday during an inspection visit to the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road Project in Rumuolumeni Community, as well as the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters in Rumuokwurushi Community, both located in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

The administrator emphasized the necessity of completing these projects, highlighting their potential to significantly enhance the economic standing of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

“We are also very much aware of the very difficult, challenging terrain around here, in terms of communication, and communicating between communities. This project, when completed, I think, will boost the socio-economic life of the state and the nation as a whole,” Ibas stated.

He further urged the contractors to adhere strictly to the project timelines, assuring them that the state government had fulfilled its financial commitments.

“We are hoping and imploring the contractors to make sure they keep to the timelines. I think the state government has been able to meet its obligation in terms of making available resources for them. So we are counting on them to keep to the completion time,” he said.

During his visit to the Civil Servants Quarters designated for Permanent Secretaries, the former naval chief acknowledged the housing challenges faced by civil servants and stressed the importance of providing them with suitable accommodation to enhance their productivity.

“I have civil servants who have challenges with their accommodation. We have been out there to see how far the project is going and I think I was also assured that the accommodation will be delivered on time so that those who require them will be able to settle down to do their work,” he noted.

Reaffirming his commitment to fostering peace and development in Rivers State, Ibas assured that the people of the state would ultimately be the greatest beneficiaries of these initiatives.

The Kogi State Government has called on security agencies to hold Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accountable if any violence erupts in the state following her recent homecoming rally.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, criticized the senator for proceeding with the event despite the government’s ban on public gatherings, imposed by Governor Usman Ododo’s administration.

“She should be held accountable for her blatant attempts to incite violence and cause unnecessary tension,” Fanwo stated.

The commissioner also alleged that the lawmaker’s visit was a deliberate attempt to disrupt peace in the state.

“She deliberately violated the State Government’s ban on political gatherings, which was put in place to prevent security breaches and maintain peace.

“Instead of respecting the law, she chose to incite chaos, disregarding the safety and stability of the state.”

Despite the government’s restrictions, Akpoti-Uduaghan received an enthusiastic welcome from her supporters and residents of Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area.

As early as 8 am, supporters from across the five local government areas of Kogi Central trooped into Ihima to celebrate the senator’s return.

Local musicians entertained the crowd as they awaited her arrival.

Shortly after, Akpoti-Uduaghan made a grand entrance in a white helicopter, drawing cheers from the jubilant crowd.

Despite a ban on rallies and public gatherings by the Kogi State Government, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday received a warm reception from her supporters and residents of Ihima in Okehi Local Government Area.

As early as 8 am, crowds from the five local government areas of Kogi Central Senatorial District, which Akpoti-Uduaghan represents, gathered in Ihima to welcome the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senator.

Local musicians entertained the enthusiastic supporters as they awaited her arrival.

Shortly after, the senator made a dramatic entrance in a white helicopter, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

Addressing her supporters, she dismissed the ban on gatherings, saying she had done nothing wrong.

“Yesterday, we heard on the news that rallies and gatherings will not be allowed, that roads will be blocked, and convoys leading into the state will not be allowed. I knew that we were the targets. But then I said, this is not political season, this is not campaign time,” she stated.

“We are not having a rally. This is just me, the Senator representing Kogi Central, coming down to her people to celebrate this festive time – the Sallah with you, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am breaking no law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to be free, to express our choice in gatherings and celebrations.”

The senator’s visit came just hours after the Kogi State Government imposed a curfew in Okehi LGA, citing security concerns.

The chairman of the local government, Amoka Monday, reinforced the ban, while the police also advised her to cancel the event.

Despite these restrictions, Akpoti-Uduaghan remained defiant, assuring her supporters that she had every right to visit her hometown.

“Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira woman; this is my land. I’m the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. I know my roots; I’m not a bastard, and I’m not afraid of anybody,” she declared.

Ahead of her return, the senator had alleged that any security breach during the homecoming should be blamed on Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and former Governor Yahaya Bello.