“Only the Speaker Has Access to the Assembly After Working Hours or Weekends” – Ehie Denies Involvement in Rivers Assembly Explosion

Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to the suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has denied any role in the explosion that rocked the Rivers State House of Assembly on October 29, 2023. Speaking on Channels Television, Ehie stated, **“It is very important to clarify that I had no hand in the burning down of the Rivers State Assembly.”**

He pointed fingers at Speaker Martin Amaewhule, insisting that only Amaewhule had access to the building after working hours and should be questioned over the incident. **“Only the Speaker has access to the Assembly premises after working hours or on weekends,”** Ehie emphasized.

Ehie revealed that 10 witnesses, including senior police officers, testified before a Federal High Court in Abuja, confirming that Amaewhule’s convoy was seen at the Assembly complex on the night of the explosion. His statement contradicts allegations made by former Rivers State Head of Civil Service, George Nweke, who accused Governor Fubara and Ehie of orchestrating the explosion.

In response, Ehie dismissed Nweke’s claims as politically motivated and announced plans to take legal action for criminal libel. He alleged that Nweke had succumbed to financial pressure, referencing reports of his sudden disappearance over the weekend and WhatsApp messages allegedly showing him soliciting financial assistance after his resignation.

Ehie also downplayed Nweke’s role in state governance, asserting that he never had private meetings with Governor Fubara and lacked the necessary security clearance. He challenged Nweke to provide evidence of any unsanctioned visits to the governor.

Additionally, Ehie claimed President Bola Tinubu had been misinformed about the reconstruction of the state Assembly complex. He stated that Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Abas, the Sole Administrator, confirmed the new structure was 80% complete and fully funded. This contradicts Tinubu’s earlier claim that Governor Fubara had failed to act on the Assembly’s reconstruction for 14 months in an alleged attempt to weaken the legislative arm of government.