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.
