The senate has postponed a decision on approving the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state until Thursday.

Opeyemi Bamidele, the senate leader, recommended that the motion be “stepped to the next legislative day”, a proposal seconded by Abba Moro, the minority leader.

When Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the matter to a voice vote, the majority of lawmakers supported the delay.

The motion, listed as the first item for discussion, was put on hold before any debate could take place.

According to the order paper, the senate acknowledged that the crisis in Rivers had left the state at a standstill, preventing residents from fully benefiting from democratic governance.

“The senate also notes that the state has been at a standstill since the crises started with the good people of Rivers state not being able to enjoy the dividend of democracy,” the motion reads.

“The senate observes the magnitude of the crises has overwhelmed the state government as parties involved have not allowed good sense to prevail and bring about peace in the state hence federal government attempts to restore peace, security and good governance.”

By Seyi Babalola

Members of the suspended Rivers House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, have delivered a letter to their constituents after President Bola Tinubu suspended all elected officials in the state on Tuesday.

Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency means that lawmakers will be absent from their legislative duties during the six-month period specified by the President.

In a statement signed by Martin Amaewhule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, on behalf of Rivers State House of Assembly members, the lawmakers notified their citizens of the current situation while supporting the President’s actions.

The 27 lawmakers led by Amaewhule blamed the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for the condition of Rivers State today, accusing him of continually disobeying judgments and orders of the courts, failing to govern the state in line with his oath of office and the Constitution.

“The governor’s despotic and tyrannical actions, as confirmed by the courts, in which he also unconstitutionally obstructed the Rivers State House of Assembly—an arm of government—from functioning, underlie this situation,” the statement said.

As an Assembly, we assure you all, our constituents, that we will abide by this declaration even though it is not what we prayed for.

“Mr President has acted in the best interest of the country; therefore, we call on you all to remain calm as the Sole Administrator appointed by the President assumes his duty in the best interest of our State and Nation.

“Rest assured that we will give any kind of support required of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the Sole Administrator in the best interest of our dear state.”

Press statement by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara on the state of emergency declared in Rivers State:

My dear Rivers People,

I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.

Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.

We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.

Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.

This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.

Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.

These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.

Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.

Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.

Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.

At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.

We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.

God bless Rivers State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS