Members of the Ekpeye ethnic nationality in Rivers State took to the streets of Port Harcourt in a peaceful protest, denouncing what they claim is the harassment, witch-hunt, and intimidation of their Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, by the former governor and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The protesters marched through Port Harcourt streets, demanding an end to what they describe as a “political witch hunt” against Ehie. They vehemently dismissed allegations linking him to the burning of the Assembly Complex and the murder of SP Bako Angbashim, the Divisional Police Officer of the Ahoada Division, as unfounded lies.
A statement signed by Apostle Jonathan Solomon, the Convener of Ekpeye Movement for Peace and Growth, outlined the concerns and grievances of the Ekpeye Ethnic Nation. The statement accused Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike of orchestrating the harassment and threats against Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie.
The Ekpeye people initially perceived the political feud as an intra-party issue but claim it has escalated into a personal vendetta by Nyesom Wike to undermine and ridicule Edison Ehie’s political aspirations. The statement highlights the alleged harassment, arrest, and detention of Ekpeye youths in Abuja as part of Wike’s attempts to suppress their community.
Key points raised in the statement:
- The accusation of Edison Ehie and his loyalists being involved in the murder of SP Bako Angbashim is deemed baseless and politically motivated. The Ekpeye Ethnic Nation argues that the real culprits have confessed through viral videos and police interrogations.
- Investigations into SP Bako’s murder, which occurred on September 8, 2023, have been thorough, resulting in the arrest and detention of all suspects. Edison and his loyalists were not implicated until he opposed the alleged plot to impeach the Governor of Rivers State.
- Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, holding the title of Eze Ugboji Ekpeye (The King of the Youths), is considered a distinguished figure with no association with criminal activities. The accusation of plotting to burn down the Rivers State Assembly Complex is labeled as malicious and a political ploy by enemies.
- The Ekpeye Ethnic Nation views the accusations and arrests as an attempt by Nyesom Wike to undermine their sociopolitical relevance in Rivers State.
- The ethnic nation declares its unwillingness to tolerate further harassment and intimidation of Ekpeye sons, especially Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, emphasizing that any mistreatment of him is an intimidation of the entire Ekpeye nation.
- The recent call for Edison Ehie’s arrest by the Nigeria Police is perceived as a strategy to create unrest in Rivers State, a move vehemently opposed by the Ekpeye Ethnic Nation.
- The statement expresses gratitude to the Governor, Sir Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, for appointing Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie as the Chief of Staff, Government House, and reassures unwavering support from the Ekpeye people.
In summary, the Ekpeye Ethnic Nation strongly condemns the alleged victimization of Edison Ehie and calls for an end to what they perceive as politically motivated harassment and intimidation.
