The Presidency, owing largely to the chronic political issues in Rivers State, declared a State of Emergency in the state on Tuesday, the 18th of March, 2025, while simultaneously suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
Following the suspension, and in a bid to restore truce, the Presidency nominated retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the administrator of the state tentatively.
As it stands, the Rivers State House of Assembly functions as a bicameral legislature following the division of house members into Pro-Wike and Pro-Fubara groups. The duo of Siminalaye Fubara and the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike have been at loggerheads, leading to some assembly members rallying behind Wike and others firmly supporting Fubara.
The Pro-Wike (Wike’s loyalists) issued a statement on Wednesday, signed by their speaker, Martin Amaewhule, stating that the presidentโs declaration is heartily welcomed while accusing the governor of โserial disobedience to court orders and constitutional breaches.โ
The speaker, Amaewhule, expressed concerns over the alleged claims of Governor Fubara’s failure to uphold his oath of office, stating it was what plunged the state into crisis.
“The governorโs 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, underlie the situation,โ he said.
โWe assure you all, our constituents, that we will abide by this declaration even though it is not what we prayed for,โ he added.
Amaewhule described the Presidency’s action as being done in the best interest of the state, assuring the Presidency of the full support of the assembly in its administration.
โMr. 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.โ
“Rest assured that we will 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,โ he added.
#thepeoplesinsight
About the Author
