The Rivers State House of Assembly has thrown its support behind the Sole Administrator appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
The lawmakers, in a statement issued by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, attributed the development to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s alleged disregard for constitutional governance, court rulings, and the legislative arm of government.
Amaewhule stated: “On behalf of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, I write to draw your attention to the declaration of a state of emergency by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“The condition of our dear Rivers State today is mainly because of the malfeasance of the Governor, who serially disobeyed judgments and orders of courts, failed to govern the state in line with his oath of office and the Constitution.
“The Governor’s despotic and tyrannical actions, as confirmed by the courts, in which he also unconstitutionally obstructed the Rivers State House of Assembly—an arm of government—from functioning, underlie this situation.”
The Speaker emphasized that while the lawmakers had not wished for this outcome, they believed the President acted in the best interest of the country.
“As an Assembly, we assure you all, our constituents, that we would abide by this declaration even though it is not what we prayed for. Mr. President has acted in the best interest of the country; therefore, we call on you all to remain calm as the Sole Administrator appointed by the President assumes his duty in the best interest of our state and nation.”
“Rest assured that we would give any kind of support required of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the Sole Administrator in the best interest of our dear state.
“Once again, we thank you all for your continued support, prayers, and understanding. We expect that you will all give the Sole Administrator the needed support to steer the ship of state during this period of emergency.”
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked nationwide debate, with critics arguing that the President lacks the constitutional authority to remove elected officials.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has opposed the move, describing it as an unconstitutional overreach of executive power.
