Rivers Assembly Supports Emergency Rule, Vows to Back Sole Administrator

The Rivers State House of Assembly has supported President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

This was made known in a statement issued on Tuesday by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, stating that the Assembly would abide by the president’s decision, despite it not being their preferred outcome.

“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.

Amaewhule blamed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the crisis in Rivers State, accusing him of ignoring court judgments and failing to govern in line 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,” he stated.

The Speaker 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.

President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months. He appointed Admiral Ibokette Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the Sole Administrator for Rivers State.