Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has made a shocking accusation against the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule. Ehie claims that Amaewhule, a loyalist of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, is responsible for the burning of the Assembly complex on October 29, 2024.
Ehie, who was a former leader of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, denied any involvement in the destruction of the legislative building. He stated that he had no prior knowledge of the incident and only became aware of it in the early hours of October 30 when he learnt of the Assembly’s demolition.
Ehie provided a detailed account of events leading up to the fire, recalling that the Assembly had screened commissioners on Thursday, October 26, and had adjourned thereafter. He disputed claims that the legislators were scheduled to reconvene on the day of the fire, stating that the adjournment was not set for October 30.
Ehie emphasized that access to the Assembly complex was strictly controlled, particularly after 6pm, when only the Speaker was permitted entry under emergency circumstances. He pointed out that the fire occurred on a Sunday, a non-working day, and cited court documents and witness statements from police officers and Civil Defence agents, who confirmed that they saw the Speaker’s convoy enter the premises on the night of October 29.
The allegations have intensified the political crisis in Rivers State, where factions loyal to Governor Fubara and Wike have been locked in a power struggle. Amaewhule has yet to respond publicly to the accusations.
Ehie’s accusations raise serious questions about the events surrounding the fire and the role of the Speaker in the incident. The people of Rivers State deserve answers, and it is imperative that a thorough investigation be conducted to determine the truth behind the burning of the Assembly complex.
In the meantime, Ehie’s call for Amaewhule to explain what happened to the House of Assembly complex is a reasonable one. As the Speaker at the time of the fire, Amaewhule’s account of events is crucial in uncovering the truth. The people of Rivers State await his response.
