A former Commissioner of Urban Development and Physical Planning in Rivers State, Dr. Reason Onya, has announced his intention to pursue legal action against individuals spreading what he claims are false accusations and engaging in blackmail against the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
During a recent interview in Port Harcourt, Onya responded to allegations that Chief of Staff Ehie is involved with a pro-democratic group allegedly orchestrating a nationwide protest scheduled for July 29, 2024.
Onya, who also serves as a Senior Lecturer at Rivers State University, asserted that the individuals behind these claims aim to tarnish the reputations of both the Chief of Staff and the state government, potentially to justify a call for a state of emergency in Rivers State.
He stated, “The accusations are detrimental, not only to me but to my constituents, especially given the consistent approach toward Ehie.”
Onya argued that the campaign against Ehie and Governor Fubara reflects a broader attempt to misrepresent them to federal authorities. He emphasized that these allegations are part of a systematic strategy to undermine their image and credibility.
“They want to ensure that the federal government views Edison Ehie and Governor Fubara unfavorably,” Onya explained. He urged President Bola Tinubu and concerned Nigerians to dismiss what he described as fabricated claims against Ehie and the Rivers State government.
“I have faith that the President, as a democratic leader, will reject these tactics aimed at blocking Rivers State from receiving its rightful benefits,” Onya continued, asserting that the allegations implicating the state government in supporting protests are misleading and intended to provoke a state of emergency declaration.
Onya concluded with a call for the people of Rivers State and Nigerians at large to remain skeptical of these malicious practices aimed at discrediting their leaders.
