Tinubu did right with emergency rule in Rivers, says Oyintiloye

Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a cheiftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun state, says President Bola Tinubu acted in good faith by declaring a state of emergency in Rivers state.

Tinubu made the proclamation on Tuesday following the political crisis and instability in the state.

The president also announced the suspension of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for an initial period of six month.

The president then announced retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the administrator of Rivers state.

The move has drawn nationwide criticism, with many describing it as “unconditional”.

Commenting on the issue, Oyintiloye said the emergency rule was necessary to restore peace, orderliness and good governance in the state.

He said those criticising the president for his actions “were either misinformed or trying to play politics with the lives of the Rivers citizens”.

The APC chieftain said the temporary measure was not to truncate democratic settings in Rivers state, but to stop the unhealthy political atmosphere in the state from degenerating into anarchy.

The APC cheiftain added that the bombing of oil facilities in the state, if not checked, could lead to economic losses and state of anarchy.

“The steps taken by the president is commendable, and it clearly shows his capacity of being a responsible and responsive leaders, whose love and care for the people of the Rivers state is unwavering,” he said.

“There is no doubt that the president followed to the later, the constitutional provisions for his action.

“This bold step is to restore peace to the state should not be politicised.”

Citing the examples of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, Oyintiloye noted that Tinubu was not first president to declare state of emergency in the country.

“So this cannot be seen as a way of muzzling the elected governments of Rivers state but as measured to restore peace and good governance”, he added.

The politician appealed to stakeholders to cooperate with the newly appointed administrator, while expressing optimism that after the six months of the emergency rule, all the political actors in the state would “follow the path of reasoning”.

The national assembly, on Thursday, approved Tinubu’s request for the emergency rule in Rivers.