The Rivers State House of Assembly has expressed full support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, noted that while the decision was not what they had hoped for, they would comply with the directive.
“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 said.
The Speaker blamed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, accusing him of repeatedly ignoring court rulings and failing to govern according to 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,” he stated.
Amaewhule urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the Sole Administrator appointed by the president to manage the state’s affairs during this period.
“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.
The Speaker also expressed gratitude to the people of Rivers State for their patience and support during the unfolding situation.
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 decision, according to the president, was made to restore stability following months of political tension between the governor and lawmakers.
Following this announcement, Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
