The Rivers State House of Assembly has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state. This was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule.
Amaewhule stated that, while the Assembly had hoped for a different outcome, they would respect and abide by the president’s decision. “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,” he said.
The Speaker attributed the crisis in Rivers State to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s actions, accusing him of disregarding court rulings and failing to govern in accordance with the constitution. “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,” Amaewhule stated.
He called on 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.
Amaewhule also thanked the people of Rivers State for their patience, prayers, and support during the ongoing period of emergency.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu 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.
The president explained that the move was necessary to restore stability amidst the political turmoil caused by the ongoing conflict between the state governor and the lawmakers. Following the declaration, Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, as the Sole Administrator for Rivers State.
