The political crisis in Rivers State continues to escalate as the state House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminialayi Fubara, demanding the dismissal of all commissioners and submission of a new list of nominees.
In response, the state government dismissed the lawmakers’ demands, stating that they were acting beyond their authority and creating unnecessary tension. Governor Fubara also denied receiving any official letter from the Assembly instructing him to present the 2025 budget within 48 hours.
Amid the ongoing political turmoil, Rivers State Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu refuted claims that she had resigned. A statement from her office reaffirmed her commitment to her duties, urging the public to ignore the false reports.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has scheduled a fresh local government election for August 9, 2025, in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling.
Prominent Niger Delta leader and traditional ruler Asari Dokubo has cautioned against any attempt to impeach Governor Fubara, warning that such a move could destabilize the state. Similarly, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) declared that they would resist any political maneuver aimed at undermining Fubara’s administration.
In a formal letter, the Amaewhule-led Assembly insisted that all 19 commissioners and political appointees who were not screened by them should be removed. The lawmakers cited constitutional provisions, alleging that the governor’s appointment of Dagogo Iboroma as Attorney General without their approval was unlawful.
Reacting to the Assembly’s demands, Rivers State Commissioner for Environment Sydney Tambari dismissed them, stating that all commissioners were properly screened by Edison Ehie, who was recognized by the court as the legitimate Speaker of the House. Tambari argued that the lawmakers had no authority to demand fresh nominations, as the Supreme Court ruling only addressed the 2024 budget and did not grant them power to remove commissioners.
In another development, the Rivers State Judiciary denied reports that Chief Judge Justice Simon Amadi was going on a one-year leave. The judiciary described the claim as false and misleading, urging the public to disregard it.
The crisis took a violent turn when gunmen attacked a group of youths in Elele Town, Ikwerre Local Government Area, leaving several people injured. Reports suggest that the attackers, allegedly members of a local vigilante group, opened fire on individuals discussing the political situation in the state. Police have confirmed the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of a firearm, while a manhunt is underway for others involved in the attack.
