Members of the National Assembly have been hailed as patriots by President Bola Tinubu after they expressly approved the state of emergency he declared on Rivers State.
Despite a national outcry about the President’s move, which saw to the suspension of the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu and the state of house of assembly members, the Senate and the House of Reps gave their blessings to sacking of elected officials in Rivers State.
President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, other principal officers, and lawmakers prioritizing the security and welfare of Rivers State above partisan interests.
“The crisis in Rivers State was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy and the significant progress we have made in the reforms initiated since our administration commenced in May 2023,” the President stated.
“As I detailed in my address to the nation on 18 March, the near-total collapse of governance, threats to federal economic assets, and the risk of widespread violence left no room for hesitation. This emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability”, he said.
“Today’s decision exemplifies what our nation can achieve when unity of purpose and patriotism guide the action of leaders,” he said. “We remain steadfast in pursuing a safer, more prosperous Nigeria—one where every citizen’s potential is safeguarded and nurtured.”
