Edison Ehie, the suspended Chief of Staff in Rivers State, has reassured supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara not to fear following his removal. Ehie, who was suspended along with other political appointees by the Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas, shared an enigmatic message with his followers on his verified Facebook page.
Referencing Zechariah 4:7, Ehie urged Fubara’s supporters to remain steadfast, stating: “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Ze·rubʹba·bel you will become a level land. And he will bring out the top stone amid shouts of: ‘How wonderful! How wonderful!’” The Bible verse, often interpreted as a message of overcoming obstacles, resonated strongly with the governor’s supporters, particularly those aligned with the Simplified Movement.
Ehie, a key figure in the political struggles in Rivers State, had previously played a central role as the leader of the House of Assembly during the political turmoil that has marred the state’s governance. His close alliance with Governor Fubara was marked by a series of confrontations with opposition lawmakers, particularly over the defection of several members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
As tensions escalated, Ehie made headlines for declaring the seats of several defecting lawmakers vacant, a move that resulted in a divided House and parallel sittings. The political standoff drew attention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who intervened and facilitated a peace agreement. However, after the accord collapsed, the factions returned to their respective positions, further deepening the state’s political crisis.
After his resignation from the House of Assembly, Ehie was appointed Chief of Staff by Fubara. Despite the turbulence, he remains loyal to the governor and continues to express support for Fubara’s cause. His recent post, while cryptic, ignited a mixed response among his followers. Some expressed optimism, with comments like “We are resolute, undeterred, and unwaveringly determined for the victory of evil over good is temporal,” from Emem Chigozie, and “Governor Sim Fubara will be victorious at the end of the tunnel,” by Queen Ideozu. However, not all responses were supportive, as Clever Nwazim criticized Ehie’s use of biblical verses, accusing him of hypocrisy.
As the political drama unfolds in Rivers State, Ehie’s cryptic message highlights the ongoing tensions and the unwavering determination of Fubara’s supporters to reclaim control amid the state’s ongoing political uncertainty.
