PORT HARCOURT—Suspended Rivers State House of Assembly has backed the declaration of state of emergency on the state by President Bola Tinubu, who removed the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Nma Odu, from office. In a statement that was signed by speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule yesterday in Port Harcourt, the assembly claimed that the declaration was the result of the governor's refusal to adhere to and implement the state's Supreme Court decision. He said: “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.
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Amaewhule said that his team would follow the declaration and that Rivers would benefit most from having a sole state administrator appointed. “Although it is not what we prayed for, we assure you all, our constituents, as an Assembly, that we would adhere to this declaration. ‘’The 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 Rivers State House of Assembly to the sole administrator in the best interest of our dear state.
“Once more, we appreciate your continued assistance, prayers, and understanding. We anticipate that you will all provide the sole administrator with the necessary assistance to steer the state ship during this emergency.