REGARDING DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE*
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, 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.
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. 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.
Again, President Tinubu has demonstrated courage and leadership in forestalling a looming breakdown of law and order in the state.
Signed:
*Felix Morka, Esq.*
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)