Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has justified President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. According to him, the now-suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara violated democratic principles, necessitating federal intervention. State of Emergency in Rivers: Tinubu’s Justification Following months of political instability in Rivers State, President Tinubu, in a national address on March 18, 2025, invoked Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended) to declare a state of emergency. This move led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all state assembly members for six months. The decision has sparked nationwide debate, with critics questioning the President’s constitutional authority. However, Morka, speaking in an exclusive interview on Eagle 102.5 FM, defended the move, stating that opposition voices have ignored Fubara’s alleged anti-democratic actions. Fubara’s Alleged Undemocratic Actions Morka outlined various steps taken by Fubara that, according to him, threatened democracy: Morka emphasized that these actions violated democratic norms, yet opposition leaders, including Peter Obi, remained silent until the federal government intervened. Security Concerns and National Assembly’s Endorsement The APC spokesperson further noted that intelligence reports had indicated increasing security threats in Rivers, particularly to critical oil infrastructure, including the vandalization of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP)—one of Nigeria’s most significant crude oil transport routes. Morka clarified that the National Assembly, with a two-thirds majority across all political parties, later ratified the state of emergency, reinforcing its legitimacy. Suspension of Governor Fubara: Legal Debates One of the most contested aspects of the emergency declaration is Fubara’s suspension. Legal experts, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), argue that Section 188 of the Constitution outlines specific steps for a governor’s removal, which were not followed. Morka countered that the governor was not “removed” but suspended as a temporary measure to restore order. He cited Section 5, Subsection 3 of the Constitution, which prohibits governors from exercising executive powers in a way that contradicts federal authority. Criticism of PDP Leaders Morka also criticized Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors and leaders, accusing them of ignoring the crisis for months and only speaking out after the federal intervention. He questioned why they failed to address Fubara’s alleged unconstitutional actions earlier. Conclusion The state of emergency in Rivers State continues to generate heated debates over governance, constitutional rights, and federal authority. While the APC insists it was a necessary step to stabilize the state, legal and political opposition remain vocal. The coming months will determine the long-term impact of this unprecedented move. For more on Nigeria’s constitutional provisions on emergency powers, visit Nigerian Law Reform Commission. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Rivers Assembly Backs Presidential Intervention in State Crisis PORT HARCOURT — The suspended Rivers State House of Assembly has expressed full support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, from office. In an official statement signed by Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule, the Assembly emphasized that the president’s decision was necessary due to Governor Fubara’s refusal to implement a Supreme Court ruling related to governance in the state. Rivers Assembly Criticizes Governor’s Actions Amaewhule stated that the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State stemmed from Governor Fubara’s continuous disregard for judicial rulings, violations of constitutional mandates, and obstruction of legislative functions. “The current instability in Rivers State is a direct result of the governor’s failure to uphold the rule of law. His actions, which have been deemed unconstitutional by the courts, include the suppression of the legislative arm, thereby preventing the Rivers State House of Assembly from performing its duties,” Amaewhule noted. State of Emergency and Sole Administrator Appointment The speaker reiterated that while the Assembly did not anticipate the declaration of a state of emergency, it acknowledges Tinubu’s decision as being in the national interest. “As representatives of the people, we pledge to respect the presidential directive. The appointment of a sole administrator serves as a stabilizing measure for governance in Rivers State.” Amaewhule further urged residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with the newly appointed sole administrator to ensure smooth governance during this critical period. Public Call for Support and Stability The Assembly reassured citizens of its commitment to working with the new leadership for the state’s progress. “We appreciate your prayers and unwavering support. We encourage everyone to extend full cooperation to the appointed administrator as we navigate this transition,” the statement concluded. Read more on Nigeria’s political developments READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
