‘Blame Fubara’s despotic actions’ — Rivers assembly backs emergency rule

The Rivers house of assembly has attributed the declaration of a state of emergency in the state to the “despotic and tyrannical” actions of governor Siminalayi Fubara. 

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis and instability in the state.

Tinubu also suspended the governor, his deputy and members of the state assembly.

He also nominated retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the administrator of the state.

The Rivers legislature has been factionalised following the conflict between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

In a statement on Wednesday signed by Martin Amaewhule, speaker of the house faction loyal to Wike, the assembly said it welcomes the president’s declaration and accused the governor of “serial disobedience to court orders and constitutional breaches”.

The speaker said the governor’s failure to uphold his oath of office plunged the state into crisis.

“The governor’s despotic and tyrannical actions as confirmed by the courts, in which he also unconstitutionally obstructed the Rivers State House of Assembly which is an arm of government from functioning, underlies the situation,” he said.

Amaewhule described the president’s decision as being in the “best interest of the country” and urged residents to remain calm as the sole administrator takes charge.

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

“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.”

The speaker pledged the assembly’s full support to the sole administrator, promising to collaborate in steering the state through the emergency period.

“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,” he added.