Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has appointed his close ally, Edison Ehie, as the new Chief of Staff.

Ehie, a former speaker of the state House of Assembly, resigned from his legislative position in December 2023, with speculations high about his next move.

The announcement, made by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, also included the appointment of five special advisers: Dr. Darlington Orji, Prince Solomon Abel Eke, Barr. Aminayanasam Fiberesima, Engr. Deeyah Bariene, and Ohia Prince.

“The newly appointed Chief of Staff and Special Advisers alongside one guest each are expected to be seated at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Monday, 29th January, 2024 at 10:30am, for the swearing- in ceremony by His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State at 11:00am,” the statement added.

Edison Ehie had in December communicated his decision to resign via a letter to the national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Many linked the resignation to President Bola Tinubu’s involvement in the political dispute between the governor and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Recall that in October, Ehie had assumed the role of Speaker of the Rivers Assembly amid internal house conflicts and efforts to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.