The All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown its full support behind President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, blaming Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the political turmoil that led to the federal intervention.
In a statement released on Tuesday, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused Fubara of violating democratic principles by dismantling the state legislature and operating without legislative oversight.
Morka argued that Fubara’s decision to demolish the Rivers State House of Assembly was the tipping point that rendered governance in the state untenable.
“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.
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“When he expended state funds without valid legislative appropriation, Fubara stripped himself of all constitutional protections of the office of Governor,” the statement read.
According to the APC, governance is only possible when all three arms of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—function in tandem.
“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,” APC stated.
Defending Tinubu’s decision, Morka stated that the emergency rule was a necessary step to restore governance and protect the lives and property of Rivers residents.
“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,” he asserted.
The ruling party commended Tinubu for his decisive leadership, saying his intervention prevented a complete breakdown of law and order in Rivers.
“Again, President Tinubu has demonstrated courage and leadership in forestalling a looming breakdown of law and order in the state,” the statement concluded.