• Blames Fubara for State of Emergency Declaration

• Safiu Kehinde

Rivers State House of Assembly has pledged its support for Vice Admiral Ibokete Ibas (Rtd), the Sole Administrator appointed by President Bola Tinubu following the declaration of state of emergency.

Tinubu had on Tuesday night declared a state of emergency on Rivers amid the ongoing political unrest which was compounded by a pipeline explosion on Monday.

Following the declaration, the President announced the suspension of the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers Assembly for six months.

Reacting to the development, the Assembly, in a statement issued by Amaewhule, blamed Fubara for the declaration, citing his refusal to adhere to the Supreme Court ruling as the cause of the declaration.

While acknowledging and accepting the state of emergency as declared by the President, the Assembly pledged to support the appointed Sole Administrator.

It also urged members of the state to give the Sole Administrator necessary support.

The statement read in part; “On behalf of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, I write to draw attention to the declaration of a state ot emergency by the President and
Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in line with the Constitution the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“The condition of our dear Rivers State today is mainly because of the malfeasance of the Governor who serially disobeyed judgements and Orders of Courts, failed to govern the state in line with his Oath of office and the Constitution.

“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 this situation.

“As an Assembly, we assure you all, our constituents that we would abide by this declaration even though it is not what we prayed for.

“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. 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.

“Once again, we thank you all for your continued support, prayers and understanding. We expect that you all give the Sole Administrator the needed support to stir the ship of State during this period of emergency.”