In a surprising announcement, 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, known as a strong ally of Governor Fubara, will be replacing Hon. Chidi Amadi in this important position.
Hon. Ehie’s appointment comes as he recently resigned from his position as Speaker and member representing Ahoada-East Constituency 2 in the Rivers State House of Assembly. This decision has sparked questions about his political move and the implications it may have on the state’s political landscape.
Of particular interest is the connection between Hon. Chidi Amadi, the former Chief of Staff, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who is currently serving as a kinsman. It is unclear whether this relationship had any influence on the decision to appoint a new Chief of Staff.
It is worth noting that the peace meeting held at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu resulted in a resolution that recognized Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule as the new Speaker of the House. However, there was no specific clause mandating Hon. Ehie to vacate his seat as a member of the House, leading to speculation about his future role in the state’s political arena.
As the new Chief of Staff, Hon. Ehie will now be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the governor’s office and coordinating various government departments. His strong alliance with Governor Fubara suggests that he will play a crucial role in shaping the state’s policies and decision-making process.
Governor Fubara’s decision to appoint Hon. Ehie as Chief of Staff is seen by some as a strategic move to further consolidate his power and ensure loyalty within his administration. However, others have raised concerns about the potential consequences of this decision and the impact it may have on the balance of power in the state.
Only time will tell how Hon. Ehie’s appointment will affect the political landscape of Rivers State and what it means for the future of the state’s governance. As the new Chief of Staff, he will undoubtedly face significant challenges and responsibilities as he enters this key role in the governor’s administration.