by The Rivers State Police Command has refuted allegations of an assassination attempt on the factional Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Edison Ehie. The police characterized the incident at Ehie’s residence as a routine patrol, as explained by the state Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, during a press interaction in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Armed individuals clad in police uniforms reportedly breached Ehie’s residence in Port Harcourt around 11 pm on Sunday. Contrary to the claims of an assassination attempt, Commissioner Disu clarified that preliminary investigations did not uncover any evidence supporting such allegations. He urged the lawmaker to collaborate with the police by providing any additional information he may possess about the incident.
“In the preliminary investigation we have conducted so far this morning, there is no indication of an assassination attempt. All I knew was that police officers were on convoy patrol. It is a routine procedure, and we have made urgent attempts to reach the leader to obtain any information he may have to add to our findings,” stated Commissioner Disu.
He reassured that, based on the current information available, there was no cause for concern. Commissioner Disu appealed to Ehie and the public to report any complaints, with his contact information made public for immediate assistance.
However, our correspondent reported the presence of a police van stationed at Ehie’s residence. Earlier on Monday, a statement allegedly signed by Ken Uchendu, identified as the Legislative Correspondent of the State House of Assembly, and sent to the press, described the incident as an assassination attempt. The statement claimed that CCTV footage capturing the event would be released for confirmation and record-keeping purposes. It also asserted that the lawmaker’s security details successfully repelled the invaders, preventing them from gaining access to the compound.
Ehie, formerly the Leader of the State House of Assembly, declared himself as the House Speaker amidst the crisis that engulfed the state legislature. In response, 24 lawmakers suspended Ehie as House leader, along with two other members of the House. Ehie, in announcing himself as the Speaker, stated that 26 lawmakers had unanimously elected him to the position, concurrently announcing the suspension of some of his colleagues.
The alleged attack on Ehie’s residence occurred after 27 lawmakers, led by House Speaker Martin Amaewhule, went to Abuja for a retreat described as capacity building. The conflicting narratives surrounding the incident and the ongoing political tensions in the state have intensified public interest in the matter.
