Rivers Crisis: Fubara replaces Wike kinsman with ally, Edison, as Chief of Staff

Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has appointed the immediate-past Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, as his new Chief of Staff.

Ehie, who is a strong ally of Fubara, replaces the Chief of Staff, Hon. Chidi Amadi, who is a kinsman to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

The immediate-past speaker had on Sunday night resigned his position as both Speaker and member representing Ahoada-East Constituency 2 in the Rivers State House of Assembly, sparking questions about his political move.

His notice of resignation was contained in a letter dated 29th December 2023 and addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

“This is to formally notify you of my voluntary resignation as Speaker and Member of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly representing Ahoada East Constituency II with effect from the date of this letter.

“I wish to appreciate my colleagues and the people of my constituency for the rare opportunity to serve and hope to continue to give my utmost best in service to Rivers State subsequently,” the letter read.

Recall that the resolution signed by parties during the peace meeting held at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu included the recognition of Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule as Speaker of the House. However, there was no clause mandating Ehie to vacate his seat as a member of the House.