Tension in Rivers as Budget Ultimatum Reaches Deadline 

Tension rises in Rivers State as the 7-day budget ultimatum nears its deadline. Discover the latest developments and reactions.

The political landscape in Rivers State is once again shrouded in uncertainty as the 7-day ultimatum given by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resubmit the 2024 budget is set to expire this week.

The ultimatum, issued on July 8, will reach its deadline today if weekends are counted, or on Wednesday if they are excluded. The demand for the re-presentation of the budget is based on a recent court ruling that affirmed the membership of the Assembly and validated Amaewhule’s leadership.

This situation has added to the already existing political crisis in the state, which has been ongoing for about eight months. Governor Fubara’s announcement of preparing the 2025 budget has further complicated the situation, indicating that the demand for the re-presentation of the 2024 budget is unrealistic. As the deadline approaches, the political climate in Rivers State remains tense.

Chijioke Ihunwo, a politician aligned with Fubara from the same area as Amaewhule, has publicly ridiculed the 7-day ultimatum directed at the governor.

As the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Ihunwo advised Amaewhule to come to terms with his status as a former assembly member, following his switch from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

He called upon the residents of Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality, encompassing Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, and Emohua Local Government Areas, to maintain their support for the Governor, led by former Senator John Azuta-Mbata.

Despite facing backlash for appointing 100 aides recently, Ihunwo defended the move, stating that it is part of an initiative to enhance local government governance at the grassroots level, a strategy being adopted by other CTC Chairmen as well.

Ihunwo also revealed plans for additional appointments in the near future, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the Fubara-led administration.