Rivers State Crisis: Ruling Party Member Defends President’s Declaration of State of Emergency
In a heated interview on Arise Television, a member of the ruling party defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor and other elected officials. The member, who is also a constitutional lawyer, argued that the president’s actions were justified due to the constitutional crisis precipitated by Governor Fubara’s actions.
According to the ruling party member, Governor Fubara’s decision to replace the speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly and subsequent destruction of the House of Assembly complex led to a breakdown in governance in the state. The member claimed that the governor’s actions were a clear violation of the constitution and that he had effectively abolished the legislature, rendering the state without a functioning government.
The member criticized those who have spoken out against the president’s declaration of a state of emergency, accusing them of being “intellectually dishonest” for not condemning Governor Fubara’s actions earlier. The member argued that the governor’s actions were a more serious threat to democracy than the president’s decision to declare a state of emergency.
The member also claimed that Governor Fubara had governed unconstitutionally and illegally for nearly 14 months, and that the president’s actions were necessary to restore order and stability in the state. The member’s comments sparked a heated debate, with many questioning the president’s motives and the constitutionality of his actions.
The crisis in Rivers State has sparked widespread controversy, with many calling for the president to reverse his decision and restore the suspended officials. The situation remains volatile, with tensions running high between supporters of the president and those of the suspended governor. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the crisis will be resolved and what implications it will have for the future of democracy in Nigeria.
