Edison Ehie, the Chief of State to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, has laid his elder brother, Chairman Benneth, to rest amid tears and grief from relatives, friends, and political associates who gathered in Abarikpo Community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state.

The late Benneth died on November 13, 2024, at the Rivers State Government House Clinic, weeks after suffering fatal head injuries when gunmen opened fire during a post-election violence on October 7, 2024.

The attack occurred at the Ahoada East Council Secretariat, following violent clashes that erupted after the October 2024 local government elections, where Benneth had joined political allies to celebrate the victory of the then council chairman, who won under the Action Peoples Party (APP) in an election conducted under Governor Fubara’s administration.

That election was later nullified by the Supreme Court, leading to the appointment of a Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), who subsequently conducted fresh polls in August 2025.

Speaking at the funeral, a visibly emotional Ehie lamented the tragic loss and called for an end to politically motivated violence in the state.

He said, “It is our prayer that no family in Rivers State will ever experience this kind of pain again.

“On behalf of our mother, who is unavoidably absent, and the children of our courageous elder brother, we deeply appreciate your presence, prayers, and love during this difficult time.”

The late Benneth is survived by seven children, an aged mother, and two brothers, including Edison, the youngest of the family.

Dignitaries at the funeral included Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, Secretary to the State Government Hon. Benibo Anabraba, and several top government officials who joined in paying their last respects.