The Rivers State House of Assembly has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state, describing it as necessary for stability.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule, in a statement on Tuesday, March 18, assured residents that the Assembly would comply with Tinubu’s decision, despite their initial reservations.
“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.
He blamed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the crisis, accusing him of disregarding court rulings and undermining legislative authority.
“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.
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Amaewhule urged residents to remain calm and support the Sole Administrator appointed by Tinubu to oversee the state.
“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 for their patience and support during the period of political instability.
Tinubu, on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected state lawmakers for six months.
He appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, as Sole Administrator to take charge of the state’s affairs.
The president’s decision has been meet with a flurry of reactions from the opposition, lawyers and major political personalities.