The Rivers State House of Assembly has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state, while also faulting the unconstitutional actions of Governor Siminalaye Fubara that precipitated the emergency rule.
In a statement on Tuesday, Speaker Martin Amaewhule affirmed the Assembly’s commitment to upholding the president’s decision, even though it was not their preferred outcome.
“We assure our constituents that we will abide by this declaration, even though it is not what we prayed for. Mr. President has acted in the best interest of the country,” Amaewhule stated.
“The condition of our dear Rivers State today is mainly because of the malfeasance of the governor, who serially disobeyed court judgments and obstructed the Rivers State House of Assembly,” he further said.
Amaewhule urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the Sole Administrator appointed by the president to manage the state’s affairs.
“We urge everyone to remain calm as the Sole Administrator assumes duty. Rest assured that the Assembly will give him all the necessary support to restore order,” he added.
He also expressed gratitude to the people of Rivers State for their patience, prayers, and support during this period of emergency.
President Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
He said the move was necessary to restore stability in the state, which has been embroiled in political turmoil due to the ongoing conflict between the governor and lawmakers.
Following the declaration, Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
