Former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Edison Ehie, is speculated to likely resume duties as Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, marking a significant turn in the state’s political landscape following months of turbulence.
Ehie, a close ally of Governor Fubara, had resigned his position as Speaker in December 2023 at the height of the political crisis that pitched the governor against some lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike. His likely return to Government House, Port Harcourt, signals a strengthening of Fubara’s inner circle after the lifting of the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu.
The lifting of the emergency rule restored full democratic governance in the state and paved the way for Fubara to reorganize his cabinet and consolidate his authority. Ehie’s return is seen by analysts as both a reward for loyalty and a strategic move to stabilize the governor’s administration.
Political watchers note that Ehie has played a crucial role as one of Fubara’s most trusted allies during the protracted political standoff, often seen at the forefront of negotiations and grassroots mobilization. His likely return as Chief of Staff is expected to strengthen the governor’s hold on the executive arm and rebuild cohesion within the ruling camp.
Governor Fubara, who resumed duties at the Government House on Friday, has vowed to focus on governance and reconciliation, while Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has publicly declared he will no longer interfere in Rivers politics.
However, political analysts say Wike is still in control of the councils, citing his role in the just concluded local government elections, which saw APC clinch 20 out of the 23 LGAs in the State.
If Ehie comes back in a key administrative role, observers believe the Fubara government is setting the stage for a renewed push in policy execution, development projects, and healing the divisions that have rocked the state in the past year.
