There is heightened tension across Rivers State following the expiration of the 48-hour ultimatum issued to Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly to present the 2025 budget.
Residents and visitors remain cautious, fearing potential violence as political tensions escalate between rival factions.
The crisis deepened after Martin Amaewhule and 26 lawmakers, loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, issued the deadline on Monday, insisting that Fubara resubmit the budget following the Supreme Court ruling that reinstated them as the legitimate state assembly members.
Governor Fubara had initially presented the budget to the Victor Oko-Jombo-led three-member Assembly in December 2024, after Amaewhule and his faction allegedly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023.
Tensions escalated further on Wednesday morning when four of Governor Fubara’s supporters were shot by suspected political thugs at Elele Roundabout in Ikwerre Local Government Area. Some victims remain in critical condition.
Police responded swiftly, arresting one suspect and recovering a single-barrel gun, while the other attackers fled. Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the attack, stating that a manhunt was underway for the fleeing assailants, who have been linked to the local vigilante group OSPAC.
Meanwhile, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government, in a letter dated March 5, 2025, stated that the government had not received any formal 48-hour ultimatum, dismissing it as mere social media speculation.
He reiterated that Governor Fubara remains committed to obeying the Supreme Court judgment and implementing its decisions in the best interest of the people of Rivers State once an official copy is received.