The All Progressives Congress has backed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, placing full responsibility for the political turmoil on Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement released on Tuesday, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused Fubara of destabilizing democracy in the state.
He pointed to the governor’s demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly and his administration’s lack of legislative oversight as key factors that plunged the state into chaos.
“When he brazenly demolished the Rivers State House of Assembly, Fubara destroyed the very foundation of democracy in the state.
“When he ‘governed’ the state without a legislature, Fubara ended government in the state.
“When he expended state funds without valid legislative appropriation, Fubara stripped himself of all constitutional protections of the office of Governor,” the statement read.
Morka stressed that effective governance cannot exist without the synergy of the executive, legislative, and judicial arms, adding that Fubara’s actions left Rivers State in a constitutional crisis.
“There cannot be a governor without a legislature and the judiciary.
“All three arms of government, although separate in their constitutional powers, must co-exist in order to have a government known to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“As the Supreme Court confirmed, there was no government in the state and there had not been a government since Fubara destroyed the state legislature,” APC stated.
The ruling party asserted that Tinubu’s intervention was both essential and constitutionally justified to restore governance and ensure the safety of Rivers residents.
“By his reckless actions, Fubara asked for and set the stage for this outcome.
“The declaration of a state of emergency, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was a necessary, constitutionally-backed measure to protect lives and property, and extend governance to the good people of Rivers state.
“The safety and well-being of the people is paramount at this time, and must trump all political considerations,” Morka declared.
Reaffirming its support for the president’s decision, the APC commended Tinubu for taking decisive action to prevent further disorder in the state.
“Again, President Tinubu has demonstrated courage and leadership in forestalling a looming breakdown of law and order in the state,” the statement noted.
