The announcement of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has received the support of the state’s House of Assembly.
The Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, made this announcement in a statement on Tuesday.
Amaewhule stated that although the Assembly had not hoped for the president’s decision, they would nonetheless follow 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 said.
The Speaker accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of disregarding court rulings and not conducting his government in accordance with the constitution, therefore blaming him for the situation in Rivers State.
“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 called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with the Sole Administrator appointed by the president to oversee the affairs of 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 thanked the people of the state for their patience, prayers and support during this period of emergency.
On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Declares State of Emergency In Rivers, Suspends Governor Fubara, Deputy, Assembly
He said the decision was taken to restore stability in the state that has been witnessing political turmoil as a result of the disagreement between the state governor and the state lawmakers.
Following his declaration, the president appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, as an administrator for Rivers State.
