Rivers State House of Assembly Backs President Tinubu’s State of Emergency Declaration

 

The Rivers State House of Assembly has expressed full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in the state and pledged its commitment to working with the newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.).

This stance was made clear in a statement issued by Speaker Martin Amaewhule on Wednesday, March 19.

On Tuesday, March 18, President Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State, citing prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security concerns. Alongside this decision, he also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state assembly for an initial period of six months.

The political divide in the Rivers Assembly has deepened due to an ongoing power struggle between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers governor.

In his statement, Speaker Amaewhule, who leads the faction loyal to Wike, welcomed the President’s intervention, accusing Governor Fubara of serial disobedience to court orders and a failure to uphold his oath of office.

“The governor’s despotic and tyrannical actions, as confirmed by the courts, include unconstitutionally obstructing the Rivers State House of Assembly from functioning. This has plunged the state into crisis,” Amaewhule stated.

Describing the President’s decision as being in the best interest of the nation, the speaker urged Rivers residents to remain calm as the Sole Administrator assumes control of the state.

“We assure you all, our constituents, that we would abide by this declaration even though it is not what we prayed for,” the statement read.

Furthermore, Amaewhule pledged the Assembly’s full cooperation with the new leadership, stating:

“Rest assured that we will provide any necessary support to the Sole Administrator in the best interest of our dear state.”