Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has filed a N2 billion libel suit against Dr. George Nwaeke, former Rivers State Head of Service, and Channels Incorporated Limited, owners of Channels Television.
The lawsuit stems from allegations aired on Channels Television on March 29, accusing Ehie of masterminding the fire that gutted the Rivers State House of Assembly complex.
Nwaeke claimed Ehie was instructed by Governor Fubara to set fire to the Assembly complex to prevent his impeachment.
He also alleged that Fubara sponsored explosions at several oil facilities in the state. Ehie has vehemently denied these allegations, stating they were baseless and damaged his reputation.
Ehie is seeking N2 billion in general damages, a perpetual injunction to restrain further publication of the libelous statements, and a public retraction and formal apology from both defendants.
The apology is to be broadcast on Channels TV and another national television network, as well as published in two widely circulated Nigerian newspapers.
The lawsuit was filed at the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, with Justice Jumbo Stephens presiding. The court granted leave for substituted service on Nwaeke by pasting court documents at his residence and ordered that the suit be served via publication in a national daily newspaper. The case was adjourned to April 10 for proof of service.
Ehie has expressed confidence that Nwaeke will be held accountable for his allegations. Nwaeke, on the other hand, claims he has evidence of state funds embezzled under Fubara’s administration, which he intends to present to the proper authorities.
