Emergency rule is the solution to political crisis in Rivers, says APC rep

Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the house of representatives, says the emergency rule in Rivers is the solution to the political crisis in the state.

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the south-south state, citing the protracted political crisis.

The president suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and all house assembly members, for six months.

Tinubu also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator for Rivers.

On Thursday, the senate and the house of representatives controversially approved Tinubu’s request for emergency rule in Rivers state.

Speaking after the plenary, Agbese said the emergency rule is the solution to the political crisis in Rivers.

“The national assembly is a micro-Nigeria. I say this because every Nigerian has a representative both in the senate and in the house of representatives,” he said.

“So, we always try to seek ways to address the problems and challenges of our people.

“We cannot deny that the challenges in Rivers need to be fixed. In his wisdom, Mr. President intervened and sought the approval of the national assembly to ratify his declaration. But you saw what played out in the plenary.

“Members proposed amendments to the proclamation and we hope that this will make both parties come together and embrace peace in the interest of the state.

“The house proposed three recommendations which were all approved at the plenary. We believe that the committee of eminent Nigerians which we recommended will play a huge role in resolving the Rivers crisis faster than we envisaged.

“We also proposed that a review of the emergency rule such that if peace is secured before the expiration of the six months, the governor and the state assembly will be recalled.”

Agbese asked Nigerians to support the emergency rule in Rivers to address the political crisis in the state.