According to Channels, Rivers State's political climate is fraught with tension as the 7-day ultimatum issued by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resubmit the 2024 budget reaches its deadline.
The ultimatum, set on July 8, expires today if weekends are counted, or Wednesday if excluded.
The order followed a motion by Dumle Maol, Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary and Deputy Speaker of the Pro-Nyesom Wike Assembly.
Maol urged the House to formally notify Governor Fubara to present the budget, referencing a recent court ruling affirming their membership and validating Amaewhule’s leadership.
The re-presentation of the budget was a key component of a presidential peace pact in December, intended to resolve the state's political crisis.
Initially, Governor Fubara submitted the ₦800bn budget to the Assembly led by Edison Ehie, now the Governor’s Chief of Staff.
The faction now led by Victor Oko-Jumbo continues to implement the budget, indicating a faltering peace agreement.
Last week, Governor Fubara stated his administration is preparing the 2025 budget, dismissing the re-presentation demand as unrealistic.
The crisis, which began with an October fire at the State House of Assembly, has seen attempted impeachments, cabinet resignations, and unrest over local government administration.
Chijioke Ihunwo, a pro-Fubara politician from the same community as Amaewhule, called the ultimatum laughable.
Ihunwo, appointed as the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, urged continued support for Governor Fubara.
He defended his decision to appoint 100 aides, aiming to bring local government administration closer to the grassroots and announced further appointments.
The political landscape remains uncertain as the deadline approaches.