The Rivers State House of Assembly has announced its support for the Sole Administrator appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
The lawmakers, who lauded the development, said the President’s decision to take control of the state’s affairs was due to the governor’s alleged malfeasance and failure to govern in line with the Constitution.
In a statement issued by the Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, the lawmakers acknowledged that the situation was not what they had hoped for but assured their constituents that they would abide by the declaration and support the Sole Administrator.
He said: “On behalf of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, I write to draw your attention to the declaration of a state of emergency by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in line with the Constitution of 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 judgments 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—an arm of government—from functioning, underlie this situation.”
The Speaker stressed that the President’s actions were in the best interest of the country and urged the people of Rivers State to remain calm.
He added: “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 will all give the Sole Administrator the needed support to steer the ship of state during this period of emergency.”
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has been a subject of controversy, with many questioning the President’s authority to remove elected officials. The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the move, citing the unconstitutional removal of elected officials.
As the situation unfolds, the people of Rivers State are left to wonder what the future holds for their state.
