By DAYO ADESULU
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown its full support behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The ruling party has blamed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the crisis, stating that his actions created the conditions that led to the emergency intervention.
APC Accuses Fubara of Undermining Democracy
In a statement released by APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party outlined what it termed as the “impeachable sins” of Governor Fubara. According to the APC, Fubara’s administration engaged in unconstitutional actions that dismantled the state’s governance structure and plunged it into chaos.
“Governor Siminalayi Fubara is directly responsible for the extreme situation that has unfolded in Rivers State. His deliberate actions undermined democracy and made governance impossible,” Morka stated.
Fubara’s Alleged Constitutional Breaches
The APC accused Fubara of engaging in a series of illegal activities, including:
- Demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly – The party claimed that Fubara’s decision to destroy the Assembly complex was an assault on democracy, effectively eradicating the legislative arm of government in the state.
- Governing Without a Legislature – The APC stated that Fubara’s refusal to engage with the legislature rendered the state government ineffective, as governance requires all three arms – the executive, legislature, and judiciary – to function cohesively.
- Unauthorized Expenditure of State Funds – The ruling party alleged that the governor mismanaged state funds without valid legislative appropriation, an act it described as a fundamental violation of Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
Supreme Court Verdict on Rivers State Crisis
The APC referenced a Supreme Court ruling which, according to the party, confirmed that there had been no functional government in Rivers State since the legislative crisis erupted. Morka explained that “the Supreme Court affirmed that Rivers State had been without governance since Fubara unilaterally dismantled the state legislature.”
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Tinubu’s State of Emergency: A Necessary Measure
Justifying the state of emergency, the APC emphasized that President Tinubu’s intervention was critical to restoring order and protecting the lives and property of Rivers State residents.
“The declaration of a state of emergency by President Tinubu was a necessary and constitutionally-backed move to prevent further anarchy. This decision prioritizes the safety and well-being of Rivers people over political considerations,” Morka said.
APC Praises Tinubu’s Leadership
The ruling party lauded Tinubu’s bold leadership in tackling the Rivers State crisis, describing his decision as a strategic move to prevent the complete breakdown of law and order in the state.
“Once again, President Tinubu has demonstrated strong leadership and decisive action in handling this crisis. His swift response has prevented what could have been a catastrophic collapse of governance in Rivers State,” the APC spokesperson concluded.
Public Reactions and Political Ramifications
The declaration of a state of emergency has sparked diverse reactions among political stakeholders and the general public. While APC members and Tinubu’s supporters have commended the move, opposition parties and Fubara’s loyalists argue that the measure is politically motivated.
Political analysts suggest that this development could significantly impact the political landscape in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections, as it may influence future power dynamics within the state and beyond.
What Next for Rivers State?
With the state of emergency now in effect, all eyes are on Rivers State to see how governance will be restored. The federal government is expected to appoint an administrator to oversee the affairs of the state during the emergency period.
As the situation continues to unfold, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Governor Fubara responds and whether any legal or political moves will be made to challenge the emergency declaration.
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