The All Progressives Congress (APC) has backed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, attributing the political crisis to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s actions.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused Fubara of undermining democracy in the state, pointing to his demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly and governance without legislative oversight as key factors that made the state ungovernable.
“When Governor Fubara demolished the Rivers State House of Assembly, he destroyed the very foundation of democracy in the state,” Morka said. “By governing without a legislature and spending state funds without proper legislative appropriation, he effectively dismantled the structure of government and forfeited the protections of his office.”
Morka emphasized that effective governance requires the cooperation of all three branches of government—the executive, legislature, and judiciary—arguing that Fubara’s actions had plunged Rivers State into constitutional chaos.
“There cannot be a legitimate government without a legislature and judiciary,” he stated. “As confirmed by the Supreme Court, there has been no functioning government in Rivers State since Fubara’s destruction of the legislature.”
The ruling party reiterated that Tinubu’s intervention was not only necessary but constitutionally justified to restore governance and safeguard the people of Rivers State.
“Fubara’s reckless actions led directly to this situation,” the statement read. “President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency is a constitutionally grounded measure aimed at protecting lives, property, and re-establishing governance in the state.”
Morka stressed that the primary concern at this moment is the safety and well-being of the Rivers people, which must take precedence over political considerations.
“The welfare of the people is paramount at this time,” Morka asserted. “The president’s decisive action was essential to prevent a total breakdown of law and order in the state.”
In closing, the APC expressed strong support for Tinubu’s leadership, commending him for taking bold steps to avert further chaos in Rivers State. “Once again, President Tinubu has shown courage and leadership in preventing a complete collapse of law and order,” the statement concluded.