By Bashir Aliyu
Abuja-Nigeria – Mr. Martins Amaewhule, the Speaker of the suspended Rivers State House of Assembly, has praised President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the decision as a necessary step to restore order and stability in the region.
In a letter addressed to the constituencies and distributed to journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Amaewhule expressed his support for the President’s action, stating that it was in the best interest of the state. He also called on residents to cooperate with the newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd), who has been deployed to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.
The letter, signed on behalf of the Rivers State House of Assembly, read in part:
“On behalf of the Rivers State House of Assembly, I write to draw your attention to the declaration of a state of emergency by the President, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). The current condition of our dear state is largely a result of the malfeasance of the governor, who has serially disobeyed court judgments and orders, failed to govern in accordance with the oath of office, and violated the provisions of the Constitution.”
Amaewhule acknowledged that while the declaration of a state of emergency was not the outcome the Assembly had hoped for, it was a necessary measure to address the deteriorating situation in the state.
“As an Assembly, we assure our constituents that we will abide by this declaration, even though it was not what we prayed for. The President has acted in the best interest of the nation, and we urge all residents to remain calm and support the Sole Administrator as he assumes duty.”
The Speaker’s remarks come amid growing tensions in Rivers State, where political and administrative challenges have sparked widespread concern. The deployment of Vice Admiral Ibas as Sole Administrator is expected to bring a new approach to governance and restore public confidence in the state’s leadership.
Residents have been urged to remain law-abiding and cooperate with the new administration to ensure a smooth transition and the restoration of normalcy in the state.
