Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has asked Rivers people to remain calm following the doubtful declaration of state of emergency in the state on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu during a nationwide broadcast.
Tinubu also suspended the governor from office, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State for an initial six months.
The declaration came a few hours after the president summoned an emergency meeting with his service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa following twin blasts at two different oil pipelines in Rivers State.
While the governor was still in his official residence in the Government House, troops massed in the premises around 9 pm on Tuesday night, even before the National Assembly ratified the declaration, as constitutionally required.
An Armoured Personnel Carrier was seen stationed at the entrance of the Govt House in Port-Harcourt.
Responding to the development that raises constitutional questions, Fubara, in a statement he personally signed, called for calm, saying, “We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.”
He blamed the members of the state Assembly loyal to Wike, saying they frustrated all his attempts to comply with the verdict of the Supreme Court.
It is still unclear if the president, whose one-sided speech exposed his inability to rise above partisanship, has the powers to suspend an elected governor.
Meanwhile, Fubara said, “My dear Rivers People, I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.
“Since assuming office as your governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
“We prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear state.
“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
“This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.
“Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgment to return the state to normalcy.
“These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.
“Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.
“Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
“Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the state forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.
“At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.
“We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.”
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