The Rivers State House of Assembly has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state, pledging full support for the newly appointed sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, acknowledged that while the emergency rule was not what lawmakers had hoped for, they accepted it as a necessary step to restore stability.
“We assure our constituents that we will abide by this declaration, even though it is not what we prayed for. Mr. President has acted in the best interest of the country,” Amaewhule stated.
The Speaker blamed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the crisis that led to the emergency declaration, accusing him of disregarding court rulings and obstructing the activities of the state legislature.
“The condition of our dear Rivers State today is mainly because of the malfeasance of the governor, who serially disobeyed court judgments and obstructed the Rivers State House of Assembly,” he said.
Amaewhule urged Rivers residents to remain calm and cooperate with the sole administrator as he assumes office, assuring that the Assembly would provide all necessary support to restore order.
“We urge everyone to remain calm as the sole administrator assumes duty. Rest assured that the Assembly will give him all the necessary support to restore order,” he added.
He also expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their patience, prayers, and support during this period of emergency rule.
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
He attributed the decision to prolonged political instability caused by the power struggle between Fubara and the lawmakers.
Following the declaration, Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), to oversee the affairs of the state until normalcy is restored.
