RIVERS: Assembly backs emergency rule, pledges support for sole administrator

In a statement yesterday, Speaker Martin Amaewhule said the Assembly would abide by the president’s decision, even though it was not the outcome they had hoped for.

He described the move as being in the best interest of the country and blamed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the crisis that led to the emergency declaration.

“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,” Amaewhule stated.

He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the Sole Administrator, assuring them that the Assembly would provide full support to restore order in the state. He also thanked the people of Rivers for their patience, prayers, and support during the political turmoil.

Yesterday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

The decision, according to the president, was taken to restore stability following the prolonged dispute between the governor and lawmakers.

With Fubara’s suspension, the former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, has been appointed as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.