Rivers Emergency Rule May Be Extended as Fubara Loyalist Escapes Assassination Attempt in Fresh crisis
According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Dr. Amadi Eze, the attack occurred in the early hours of the day and was carried out by unidentified...
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Rivers Emergency Rule May Be Extended as Fubara Loyalist Escapes Assassination Attempt in Fresh crisis
Fresh political tension is brewing in Rivers State, raising concerns that the state of emergency may be extended following an assassination attempt on a key ally of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Former Obio/Akpor Local Government Chairman, Ambassador Chijioke Ihunwo, on Saturday narrowly escaped death after suspected gunmen attacked him in the Chinda axis of Rumueme, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
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According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Dr. Amadi Eze, the attack occurred in the early hours of the day and was carried out by unidentified assailants who opened fire on the former chairman.
Although details remain sketchy as investigations continue, Dr. Eze described the incident as a calculated attempt to silence Ihunwo, whom he described as a “consistent voice for peace, unity, and progress in Rivers State.” He added that personal belongings were also carted away during the assault.
“This was a cowardly act aimed at silencing a man who has consistently stood for peace, unity, and progress in Rivers State,” Dr. Eze said.
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Ihunwo was reported to have escaped unhurt and is said to be in stable condition, surrounded by close associates and supporters.
The incident has triggered renewed fears of instability in Rivers, a state already on edge following months of political turbulence that led to President Bola Tinubu declaring a six-month emergency rule in March. With Ihunwo’s attempted assassination coming just days before Fubara’s expected reinstatement on September 18, observers warn that the fragile peace in the state could be further jeopardized.
Security agencies have been urged to launch a full-scale investigation to uncover the perpetrators and their motive, while the public has been advised to remain calm.
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While the attackers remain unidentified, political analysts believe the incident could further deepen divisions within the state’s ruling class and fuel speculations that the federal government may extend emergency rule beyond September.
