Rivers Assembly Supports Emergency Rule and Commits to Assisting Sole Administrator

Rivers State House of Assembly has given its approval for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the region. This announcement was made on Tuesday by the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule.

Amaewhule indicated that while the Assembly did not anticipate this decision, they would respect it, stating, “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 placed the blame for the ongoing crisis in Rivers State on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of disregarding court rulings and failing to govern in accordance with constitutional guidelines. “The current state of affairs in Rivers is largely due to the governor’s misconduct, who has repeatedly disobeyed court orders and hindered the work of the House of Assembly,” Amaewhule remarked.

The Speaker urged residents to remain calm and support the Sole Administrator appointed by the president, who will manage the state’s affairs during this emergency. He added, “We encourage everyone to stay composed as the Sole Administrator takes office. The Assembly will extend all necessary support to help restore order.”

Amaewhule expressed gratitude to the residents for their patience, prayers, and backing during this challenging time.

On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for a duration of six months. He stated that this action was necessary to restore stability amid the political unrest stemming from a conflict between the governor and state lawmakers. To oversee the state during this period, the president appointed former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the administrator.