APC Supports President Tinubu’s State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers State

By DAYO ADESULU

APC Backs Tinubu on Rivers State Emergency Declaration

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown its full support behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. The party maintains that the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, created the conditions that necessitated this emergency rule through his actions and inactions.

In a statement issued by APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party outlined several reasons why the declaration was not only justified but also inevitable. According to Morka, Fubara’s handling of governance in the state made the emergency measure necessary to restore order and ensure the continuity of democratic institutions.

Fubara’s Actions Led to State of Emergency – APC

APC accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of dismantling the democratic foundations of Rivers State through unconstitutional and reckless actions. According to Morka, Fubara engaged in multiple impeachable offenses, including the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly and governance without a functioning legislature.

“Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the author of the extreme events that have unfolded in Rivers State. When he brazenly demolished the Rivers State House of Assembly, he destroyed the very foundation of democracy in the state,” Morka stated.

The party further accused Fubara of sidelining the judiciary, governing without legislative oversight, and mismanaging state funds without valid legislative appropriation.

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“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 added.

No Government in Rivers State, Says APC

APC reiterated that the absence of a functioning legislature and judiciary meant that Rivers State had been without a legitimate government for some time. Citing the Supreme Court’s ruling, the party emphasized that governance in Rivers State had effectively ceased under Fubara’s leadership.

“There cannot be a governor without a legislature and a judiciary. All three arms of government, although separate in their constitutional powers, must co-exist to form a government as defined by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Morka said.

He added that the Supreme Court had confirmed that there was no valid government in Rivers State since Fubara took steps to cripple the legislative arm.

APC Lauds President Tinubu’s Leadership and Decision

The ruling party commended President Tinubu for taking decisive action to protect the people of Rivers State from a looming crisis. APC described the state of emergency as a necessary and constitutionally-backed step to prevent further instability.

“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 are paramount at this time and must trump all political considerations,” APC asserted.

The party praised Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a president who prioritizes national security and stability over political convenience.

“Again, President Tinubu has demonstrated courage and leadership in forestalling a looming breakdown of law and order in the state,” Morka added.

Implications of the State of Emergency in Rivers State

With the declaration of a state of emergency, governance in Rivers State will now fall under federal administration, and security forces will be mobilized to maintain law and order. This means that Governor Fubara’s powers will be significantly curtailed or completely suspended, pending further political resolutions.

Political analysts suggest that this move could reshape the political landscape in Rivers State, as it could lead to the realignment of political forces within the state. The decision may also set a precedent for handling similar political crises in other states.

Reactions from Political Stakeholders

The state of emergency declaration has generated mixed reactions from political stakeholders in Rivers State and beyond. While APC members and Tinubu’s supporters view the move as a necessary intervention, opposition parties and Fubara’s allies have condemned the decision, calling it an unconstitutional overreach.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to which Fubara belongs, has vowed to challenge the emergency declaration, arguing that it is politically motivated. Some civil society organizations have also expressed concerns about the implications of military involvement in the state’s governance.

What’s Next for Rivers State?

As the situation unfolds, the people of Rivers State will be looking to the federal government for clarity on how long the emergency rule will last and what steps will be taken to restore democratic governance.

Political observers expect further legal battles and negotiations in the coming weeks, as Governor Fubara and his allies explore options to challenge the emergency declaration.

For now, President Tinubu and the APC remain firm in their stance that the state of emergency was an unavoidable measure aimed at preserving democracy and ensuring the safety of Rivers State residents.

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Dayo Adesulu, online editor, SEO expert.