Members of the suspended Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule, have communicated with their constituents following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend all elected officials in the state on Tuesday.
The President’s declaration of a state of emergency indicates that the lawmakers will be unable to perform their legislative responsibilities for a duration of six months.
In a statement issued by Martin Amaewhule, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, on behalf of the assembly members, they updated their constituents on the current circumstances while expressing their support for the President’s decision.
The 27 lawmakers, led by Amaewhule, attributed the current state of affairs in Rivers State to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of consistently disregarding court rulings and failing to govern in accordance with his constitutional obligations and oath of office.
“The governor’s authoritarian and oppressive actions, as affirmed by the courts, have unconstitutionally hindered the functioning of the Rivers State House of Assembly—an essential branch of government—leading to this predicament,” the statement asserted.
“As an Assembly, we assure you, our constituents, that we will comply with this declaration, despite it not being our desired outcome.
“Mr. President has acted in the nation’s best interest; thus, we urge everyone to remain calm as the Sole Administrator appointed by the President undertakes his responsibilities for the benefit of our State and Nation.
“Please be assured that we will extend any necessary support to the Sole Administrator from the Rivers State House of Assembly in the best interest of our beloved state.”