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Tag: Ehie

  • Rivers Court bars parties from commenting on Nwaeke’s allegations against Ehie

    Rivers Court bars parties from commenting on Nwaeke’s allegations against Ehie

    The Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has foreclosed further comments and discussions on the subject matter of the N2bn libel case instituted by Dr. Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminialayi Fubara, against the immediate past Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke and Channels Television.

    The presiding judge, Dr. Jumbo Stephens, in a copy of an order dated April 10 directed the parties not to make comments, statements or any manner of representation to the public or whomsoever relating to the subject matter of the suit until the case is determined by the court.

    The judge also adjourned the matter to June 4th for mention and further proceedings.

    Ehie had filed a N2bn libel suit against Nwaeke and Channels Incorporated Limited following the recent allegations of Nwaeke televised by Channels TV that he was the mastermind of the inferno that engulfed and destroyed the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex among others.

    Ehie in the suit is praying the court to award him N2bn as general damages saying that the defendants on March 29th without cause or occasion made the allegations thereby seriously injuring his credit, character and reputation.

    He said the publication by the defendants brought him into public scandal, odium, contempt of his person, character and integrity and lowered him in the estimation of right-thinking members of the public and society.

    He described the said publication as false and most disparaging of his person to the knowledge and understanding on the defendants.

    Read Also: Rivers saga: Wike knocks ex-governor George over comments

    Ehie further prayed the court for a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants forthwith either by themselves, agents, privies, workers or however from further publication or from further publishing or from further continuing to publish or circulating either to the general public or to any manner of persons, howsoever the said malicious and libelous document subject matter of the suit and or such similar documents concerning the person of the claimant.

    He asked the court to issue “an order for immediate retraction of the said publication and an apology to the claimant by the defendants for the said invidious and libelous publication forthwith and same to be widely publicized in the second defendant’s (Channels TV) television network, another television network and two newspapers with nationwide leadership in Nigeria.

    The court issued an order of substituted service on the defendants and granted Ehie the leave to serve the originating and other processes in the suit on the first defendant (George Nwaeke) by pasting same at the entrance of his residence at No 10 Olumeni Street, Old GRA, Port Harcourt.

    The judge also ordered that the originating processes should be served on Nwaeke via publication in a daily newspaper having nationwide circulation including Abuja, FCT.

  • I was bribed to impeach Fubara – CoS Ehie alleges

    I was bribed to impeach Fubara – CoS Ehie alleges

    Edison Ehie, the current chief of staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and a former factional speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, has claimed that he was bribed to remove the governor.

    Recall that when Ehie took office as speaker in October 2023, lawmakers who supported Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were attempting to remove Fubara from office.

    The Nation reported that the impeachment process was stopped after President Tinubu mediated a peace agreement.

    The rift between Fubara and Wike has continued to divide the Rivers Assembly as Governor Fubara stormed the quarters of the speakers last week.

    Read Also: Rivers kinsmen write Tinubu over Fubara’s CoS Ehie, others

    Speaking at a gathering in Rivers’ Ahoada East neighbourhood, Ehie stated he turned down the money offered to remove Fubara from office

    He reportedly said: “They invited me, your son, to impeach the governor and I told them clearly, I was not interested”

    “They gave me all the money that was hidden before, which I rejected. And because I refused, they conspired and declared me wanted.”

  • Rivers court extends order barring police from arresting Ehie

    Rivers court extends order barring police from arresting Ehie

    The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has extended the temporary injunction preventing the police and other security agencies from apprehending Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to the Rivers Government House, until the resolution of the main case.

    Justice Sika Aprioku issued the directive in response to complaints from Ehie’s attorney, Demian Okoro, SAN.

    Read Also: Court declines Edison Ehie’s plea to stop criminal charge against him, others

    Okoro expressed concern that despite the interim injunction served on the police, they had proceeded to declare his client as wanted.

    Aprioku cited Order 4 Rule 4c of the Administration of Criminal Justice saying it gave him the power to renew and extend orders ‘where the application is made experte”

    Aprioku, who also ruled on the application for extension of time by respondent lawyer, Celestine Dickson, gave three days extension for the lawyer to respond to the process and two days for the applicant to file his reply.

    He adjourned the matter till the 15th of February, 2024 to begin hearing of the substantive suit.

  • Court declines Edison Ehie’s plea to stop criminal charge against him, others

    Court declines Edison Ehie’s plea to stop criminal charge against him, others

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, struck out an application filed by Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff (CoS) to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, seeking an order to strike out the charge against him and others for want of jurisdiction.

    Justice Bolaji Olajuwon, in a ruling, held that Ehie, having not been joined as a defendant in the charge lacked the legal right to make such plea.

    Justice Olajuwon also struck out the CoS’ prayer for an order striking out his name anywhere it might appear in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/25/2024.

    The judge agreed with the police lawyer, Simon Lough, SAN, that having not been joined as a defendant in the charge, Ehie’s application cannot be heard.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ehie, who was recently appointed as CoS after he resigned as member and factional speaker of the assembly, was alleged to be among the suspects charged by the I-G for committing the offence.

    NAN reports that five suspected arsonists of the Rivers House of Assembly were, on Jan. 25, arraigned before Justice Olajuwon on seven-count charge bordering on  alleged terrorism, among others.

    Ehie, whose name was mentioned, was alleged to be at large with other suspects.

    The five defendants arraigned are Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod.

    They, however, pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge  and were ordered to remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until today when their respective bail applications would be determined by the judge.

    Upon resumed hearing today, Ehie’s lawyer, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, informed the court that he had filed an application dated and filed on Jan. 24, seeking for two orders.

    Read Also: Court grants Ehie’s motion against police

    He said the parties had been served accordingly.

    Aladedoye said the application was brought pursuant to Sections 6 and 36 of 1999 Constitution.

    He argued that it was incorrect that Ehie, whose name featured in the counts preferred by the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police had no right to make this application.

    “It would have been different if the name is not there at all,” he added.

    The senior lawyer equally argued that in their affidavit it was clearly stated that at no times was his client ever invited by the police.

    He urged the court to grant their prayers.

    But police counsel, Lough, disagreed with him.

    Lough said though he was served with Ehie’s application, the motion was not ripe for hearing.

    According to him, the application is incompetent in view of Section 396(2) of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

    He said since Ehie was challenging the jurisdiction of the court, the provision of the law says until an applicant is joined and takes his plea before he can have the right to file such motion.

    “His (Ehie’s) name is not in the charge and has not applied to be joined. So his application is incompetent,” he said, praying the court to strike it out.

    Justice Olajuwon, who agreed with Lough, asked: “Who is this person? The person is not a party in this charge and the order challenging the jurudiction of the court is refused.”

    The judge said Ehie’s name was only mentioned as a person who is at large, which was just a statement.

    She held that the CoS was yet to be joined as a defendant in the charge.

    The judge said that if Ehie was not at large, he should make himself available to the police.

    “If that person is not at large, let him make himself available to the police,” she said.

    Olajuwon subsequently struck out Ehie’s prayer seeking to strike out his name anywhere it was mentioned in the charge

    Meanwhile, the judge had stood down the matter to hear the bail applications of the five defendants.(NAN)

  • Court grants Ehie’s motion against police

    Court grants Ehie’s motion against police

    The Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has granted a motion ex-parte filed by the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Government House, Edison Ehie, against the Nigerian police.

    Ehie had prayed the court to restrain the police or other security agencies from arresting, detaining, and harassing him over his alleged involvement in the burning of the Rivers state House of Assembly.

    The presiding judge, Justice Sika Aprioku granted the order and adjourned to February 6th for a hearing of the substantive application.

    Read Also: Fubara to Ehie: don’t use your CoS office to antagonise anyone

    Ehie filed the motion following a criminal petition against him to the police by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly accusing him of masterminding the invasion and burning of the hallowed chambers.

    In the petition, the House called on the police to arrest and prosecute Ehie for his alleged involvement in the arson.

  • Ehie drops lawsuit against Rivers Assembly members

    Ehie drops lawsuit against Rivers Assembly members

    • Diri hosts Fubara, sues for peace in Rivers
    • ‘Crisis unfortunate, it’s being resolved’

    Rivers State yesterday made progress in the implementation of the peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.

    The former Majority Leader, Edison Ehie, who was chosen as ‘Speaker’s by the group of four lawmakers, dropped the case instituted against the 27 members of the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.

    The withdrawal of the lawsuit was consistent with the first item of the eight-point resolution signed by the governor, the minister and other party leaders.

    According to “Resolution One,” all the cases triggered by the crisis should be withdrawn by the parties.

    Fubara, who also reflected on the political impasse yesterday during his visit to his Bayelsa State counterpart, Douye Diri, described the crisis as unfortunate.

    The Bayelsa governor urged Fubara and other leaders to embrace peace in the interest of the state.

    Ehie withdraws case

    Ehie, who recently resigned his membership of the House of Assembly, withdrew his contempt case against his 27 colleagues, in the spirit of the peace accord.

    As ‘Speaker,’ elected by the group of four lawmakers, he had declared the seats of the 27 lawmakers vacant, following their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ehie, an ally of  Fubara, had filed contempt proceedings at the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt against the lawmakers for allegedly disobeying the order of the court to discontinue sitting.

    When the matter came up for hearing before the court, his lawyer, Mac-Barango, tendered a notice of discontinuance filed by his clients and appealed that the court should give effect to the notice.

    The request was not challenged by the defendant’s lawyer and the judge  struck out the matter.

    Read Also: FG partners China for new Steel Plant

    Diri sues for peace

    Diri urged Fubara to work for peace in a bid to realise his vision to develop Rivers when he hosted him at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

    It was Fubara’s first visit to the state since he assumed office on May 29, last year..

    Fubara also visited Senator Azuta Mbata in his residence to felicitate with him on his birthday.

    Stressing the importance of peace, Diri said no development can take place where there is crisis.

    The Bayelsa governor said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, that Rivers and Bayelsa have a long-standing brotherly relationship, adding that lwhatever affects one affects the other.

    He disclosed that he had worked behind the scene to ensure peace returned to the state.

    Diri cautioned against giving ethnic coloration to the crisis, saying that the Ikwerre of Rivers and the Ijaw of both Rivers and Bayelsa were one.

    He also advised Fubara to be tolerant and patient while focusing on implementing his projects for the benefit of the state

    While expressing willingness to forge closer ties with the Rivers governor in the interest of both states, Diri welcomed Fubara’s olive branch to find an amicable solution to the legal tussles between both states over the Soku oil wells and the Rivers State House that was demolished in Bayelsa.

    Diri said: “Rivers and Bayelsa are one and the same. That is why during the political crisis, we worked behind the scene to ensure peace reigned in your state. What affects Rivers affects Bayelsa.

    “My thinking is that there has to be peace in Rivers State. God should grant you the wisdom to govern. At this time, you must be patient and tolerant. You should also communicate with God and He will guide you.

    “Some people wanted to give the crisis ethnic colouration, but I said no. We should all look for peace and not escalate it so that the governor will also focus on delivering development to his people. I again call for peace and understanding so that both states will experience development.”

    Diri said he was happy that the rift between thectwo states woukd be amicably resolved.

    He said: “We have some cases in court and I am sure you have been briefed. That is why you said we should talk about our issues. I am very prepared to discuss with your government to resolve them.

    “Our politics must be people-oriented. If we serve our people well, we serve God. We also need to meet more closely and explore areas of mutual benefits to both states.”

    Fubara said his visit was to foster unity and seek areas of collaboration between both states.

    He said the two states had a lot in common, adding that they could not afford to work at cross purposes.

    Crisis unfortunate, says Fubara

    Fubara said the recent crisis in Rivers was unfortunate, pointing out that the issues were being resolved.

    He thanked President Tinubu for brokering a truce in the state, promising to support his laudable policies and programmes for the country.

    While thanking the people of Bayelsa for their solidarity, he said he would forge a closer relationship with Diri, which would enable both states to make progress.

    He said Rivers was willing to dialogue and resolve the legal issues involving both states, insisting that as brothers, an amicable solution can be found to the challenges threatening to divide them.

    Fubara stressed: “There is no difference between Rivers and Bayelsa. The creation of Bayelsa was for development purposes. We are one and the same people.

    “My visit is a unification meeting. We are here to tell our brother that we want to work together for a common purpose, which is the development of both states.

    “We have a lot of things jointly owned by both states. We need to meet and settle all issues. We cannot be developed in a situation of crisis. Peace is the major ingredient for development.

    “We appreciate the people of Bayelsa for their solidarity during our trying period. Whatever affects Rivers affects Bayelsa. But equally important is that Nigeria needs peace in Rivers because of our strategic importance.”

    Ijaw group lauds Rivers/Bayelsa mediation

    An Ijaw group, Izon-Ibie Political Front (IIPF)   commended Diri and former Governor Seriake Dickson for  rallying support for Fubara in the course of resolving the Rivers crisis.

    A statement by its spokesman, Walter George,  expressed gratitude for their united front and and bond of unity. 

    He said the display of support by Dickson and Diri  underscored their solidarity that transcended political affiliations.

    George said: “The unity demonstrated by  Dickson and Diri in supportin Fubara is a testament to their commitment to regional stability and progress. It sets a positive precedent for collaborative governance.

    “The IIPF recognises the intricate nature of the current political landscape, particularly,  the ongoing tensions between  Fubara and his predecessor, Chief Nysemo Wike,  the Federal Capital Territory Minister.”

    He added: “As a group, we stand firm in solidarity with you during this challenging period and we know this is a test of leadership and it can be surmounted through unity and strategic collaboration.“

  • JUST IN: Fubara’s ally Ehie withdraws suit against 25 Rivers Assembly members

    JUST IN: Fubara’s ally Ehie withdraws suit against 25 Rivers Assembly members

    The former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who represented Ahoada East Constituency II, Edison Ehie, has dropped his lawsuit alleging contempt against 25 of the 27 members who defected from PDP to APC last year.

    Ehie’s action seemingly brought an end to the political unrest gripping the state.

    The seats of 27 members were declared vacant by Ehie, a close ally of the state governor Siminalayi Fubara, in December due to their switch from the PDP to APC.

    However, two of the lawmakers later rejoined the PDP, and the group of five lawmakers loyal to the governor, was led by Ehie.

    Fubara on the other hand has been engaged in a heated political struggle with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister.

    Previously, Ehie filed a contempt case against 25 of them at the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, challenging their meetings and legislative actions.

    Read Also: Ehie was never Rivers’ House of Assembly Speaker, says Clerk

    However, in an intriguing turn of events, Ehie resigned from the House of Assembly when Governor Fubara and Wike struck a peace agreement.

    The claimant’s attorney, Mac-Barango Esq., told the court of a Notice of Discontinuance submitted by his clients when the case came up for hearing of petitions standing before the court today.

    He requested that the court implement the aforementioned Notice.

    This request wasn’t challenged by the defendant’s counsel and as such was struck out by the judge.

  • Ehie was never Rivers’ House of Assembly Speaker, says Clerk

    Ehie was never Rivers’ House of Assembly Speaker, says Clerk

    • SSG says Fubara focused despite political tension

    Rivers State House of Assembly yesterday said Edison Ehie was never the Speaker.

    In a December 29 resignation letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he stated that he was resigning as Speaker and member.

    Ehie was the leader of the group of four members of the Assembly during the political crisis.

    The House, in a statement by the Clerk Emeka Amadi, said Ehie never occupied the office.

    The statement reads in part: “I am, therefore, directed to call on the good people of Rivers State to disregard the false claim in this letter that is intended to mislead the unsuspecting public.

    “Edison Ehie was never at any time in the life of the Rivers State House of Assembly elected a Speaker.

    “The Office of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly is a creation of the 1999 Constitution (As altered) and should not be ridiculed by any member who swore to preserve it and abide by the Constitution.

    “As a matter of fact, on Monday, June 5, 2023, after the proclamation of the 10 Rivers State House of Assembly by the Governor, and in line with Section 92 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (As altered), I, as the then Acting Clerk of the House, conducted the election that produced Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, DSSRS, as the Speaker of the 10 Rivers State House of Assembly by the unanimous votes of all other 31 members sitting and present.

    “It is also imperative to state that, from June 5, 2023, when he was elected till today, Martin Chike Amaewhule has been performing his duties as the Speaker.”

    Read Also: ‘You were never a speaker,’ Rivers Assembly mocks Fubara loyalist Ehie

    SSG says Fubara focused despite political tension

    Also yesterday, Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, said Governor Siminalayi Fubara has remained focused despite the political turbulence in the state.

    Danagogo, who was also SSG in the Nyesom Wike Administration, said Rivers was blessed to have the governor, whom he described as calm calculating, humble, honest and hardworking.

    Speaking at the maiden state banquet, he said: “We thank God that despite some recent political turbulence, the government is focused and fast settling down for the task ahead.

    “The year 2023 was remarkable. It marked the end of a great administration and the beginning of yet another great administration. And I can say without equivocation that, indeed, this government has started well.

    “The governor has hit the ground running by embarking on new major projects and completing and improving ongoing ones. Very soon, Rivers State will witness a bumper harvest of inaugurations.

    “The Port Harcourt Ring Road, which hitherto existed only in our dreams, is fast becoming a reality along with others.”

  • ‘Factional Speaker’ Ehie quits Rivers House of Assembly

    ‘Factional Speaker’ Ehie quits Rivers House of Assembly

    • Lawmaker writes INEC chair, may be Chief of Staff

    Leader of the group of four Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Ehie Edison, has resigned his membership of the legislative house.

    In a letter he personally signed and addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Edison said he was resigning as ‘Speaker’ of the House of Assembly.

    He also quit his membership of the 10th Rivers House of Assembly representing Ahoada East Constituency II.

    Edison was picked by four members as the ‘factional speaker’ in the heat of the crisis that rocked the Assembly.

    It was learnt that Edison’s resignation was in line with the Abuja peace pact brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.

    There were strong indications last night that he might be named Chief of Staff to the Governor.

    Edison’s notice to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, was with effect from December 29th, 2023.

    Edison declared himself the Speaker same day he was removed as the House leader, following ensuing disagreement between the governor and his predecessor.

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

    “I wish to deeply 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.

    “Kindly accept the assurances of my highest esteem at all times.”

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The resignation was part of the implementation of the peace pact between Governor Siminialaye Fubara and his godfather, the Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike.

    “To rehabilitate Edison, he is likely to be made the Chief of Staff to Governor Fubara. In fact, he prefers to hold this strategic position as part of his future political career.”

    The dispute between Fubara and the House culminated in bombing the hallowed chamber and issuing an impeachment notice to the governor, who later responded by demolishing the complex of the Assembly in Port Harcourt.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Fubara’s ally Ehie resigns as factional speaker, quits Rivers Assembly

    But, the intervention of President Tinubu led to the signing of the eight-point resolution by Fubara and the lawmakers.

    As part of the agreement, the lawmakers withdrew their impeachment notice while Fubara paid all their withheld entitlements.

    It was gathered that after the peace deal, Edison fought back because the resolutions did not recognise him.

    Sources said some promises had been made to Edison, who was seen as the only weak link in permanently resolving the dispute.

    He had obtained a court order that recognised him as the Speaker in a case he instituted against the lawmakers.

    It was before the Edison-led House of Assembly that the governor presented the state’s 2024 Appropriation Bill, which was passed a day after and signed by Fubara. The peace deal requires him to re-present the Bill to the Amaewhule-led Assembly.

    Edison’s resignation was said to have facilitated the process of ending all disputes and fulfilling the other items in the peace document.

  • Ehie has no power to declare 27 lawmakers’ seats vacant — Lawyer

    Ehie has no power to declare 27 lawmakers’ seats vacant — Lawyer

    A legal professional, Emmanuel Anele, has claimed that the law does not provide Rivers state Assembly leader, Edison Ehie, the authority to declare the seats of 27 members who defected to an opposition party vacant in light of the continuing political unrest in the state.

    The lawyer, who appeared live on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, December 14, said that Ehie’s statement was in violation of the 1999 Constitution.

    Following the defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Martin Amaewhule, a staunch supporter of former governor Nyesom Wike, Ehie declared the seats vacant on Wednesday.

    The legal practitioner argued that this action does not adhere to the stipulations of Section 109, Subsection 1 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

    He said: “These members have not lost their seats unless the court now says that having defected from PDP to APC and the reasons you cited could not avail you of that defection, you hereby lose your seat.

    “It’s on that ground that the speaker will now say, ‘In view of the judgement before me against the 27 lawmakers that defected, their seats have been declared vacant’,” Anele said.

    “That section did not automatically empower the speaker to declare any seat vacant, unless the fact as to the issue of defection is determined by the court.”

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: Ehie, three others declare seats of 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike vacant

    “The provision of the section states that if there is a defection from party A to party B and that defection has not caused a division in the party that brought the member to power, then you can declare his seat vacant.”

    The issue involving the 32-member Assembly stemmed from a disagreement between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The group led by Amaewhule was prevented from entering the assembly building via force until the lawsuit was resolved by the Rivers High Court in Port Harcourt.

    The situation worsened on Wednesday when the Assembly Complex was being demolished, and the governor gave the Ehie-led group the N800 billion 2024 budget projections at Government House.

    The governor on Thursday assented to the 2024 Appropriation Bill after it was passed by the Ehie-led group in the Assembly.