The Rivers State House of Assembly has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

This was contained in a statement by the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule who said the Assembly will abide by the president’s decision, even though it was not what they had hoped for.

The Speaker blamed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the crisis in Rivers State, accusing him of ignoring court judgments and failing to govern in line with the constitution.

Amaewhule, however called on residents of the state to remain calm and cooperate with the Sole Administrator appointed by the president to oversee the affairs of the state. The Speaker also thanked the people of the state for their patience, prayers and support during this period of emergency.

It can be recalled that President Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended the Governor, Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months. He said the decision was taken to restore stability in the state that has been witnessing political turmoil as a result of the disagreement between the state governor and the state lawmakers.

Following his declaration, the president appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, as an administrator for Rivers State.

PUNCH