The All Progressives Congress has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, blaming Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the crisis that led to the move.
In a statement on Tuesday, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused Fubara of destroying democracy in Rivers State. He said the governor’s demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly and his decision to govern without legislative oversight created an ungovernable situation.
“When he brazenly demolished the Rivers State House of Assembly, Fubara destroyed the very foundation of democracy in the state,” Morka stated.
He further argued that governance cannot function properly without the executive, legislative, and judicial arms working together.
“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,” the statement read.
The APC also referenced the Supreme Court, stating that the court had confirmed there was no functional government in Rivers State after the legislature was destroyed.
Defending Tinubu’s intervention, the party maintained that the emergency rule was necessary to restore order and protect lives and property.
“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,” Morka said.
The APC praised Tinubu for taking decisive action to prevent a total breakdown of law and order.
“Again, President Tinubu has demonstrated courage and leadership in forestalling a looming breakdown of law and order in the state,” the statement concluded.
