The Rivers State House of Assembly has backed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in the state.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Speaker Martin Amaewhule confirmed the Assembly’s support, acknowledging that while the decision was not what they had hoped for, they would respect it.
“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 Speaker blamed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the crisis, accusing him of ignoring court rulings and failing to govern in line with constitutional provisions.
“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 said.
Amaewhule urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the Sole Administrator appointed by the president.
“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.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state Assembly for six months. To restore stability, he appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, as the state’s administrator.
