Mr. Martins Amaewhule, Speaker of the suspended Rivers State House of Assembly, has publicly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. In a letter addressed to constituents and distributed to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Amaewhule expressed support for the move, describing it as a necessary step to restore order in a state plagued by political turmoil.
The Speaker’s remarks come in the wake of President Tinubu’s announcement on Tuesday night, during which he suspended Governor Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. To oversee the state’s affairs, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd), a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the Sole Administrator. Amaewhule urged Rivers residents to cooperate fully with Ibas as he assumes his duties.
In the letter, signed on behalf of the Assembly, Amaewhule wrote, “On behalf of the Rivers House of Assembly, I write to draw your attention to the declaration of a state of emergency by the President in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).” He attributed the state’s dire condition to Governor Fubara’s alleged misconduct, stating, “The condition of our dear state today is mainly because of the malfeasance of the governor who serially disobeyed judgments and orders of courts, failed to govern the state in line with the oath of office and the Constitution.”
While acknowledging that the emergency declaration was not the outcome the Assembly had hoped for, Amaewhule emphasized its necessity. “As an Assembly, we assure you all, our constituents, that we would abide by this declaration even though it was not what we prayed for,” the letter continued. He praised Tinubu’s intervention as being in the best interest of both Rivers State and the nation, urging calm among constituents as the Sole Administrator takes charge.
The declaration follows a series of disruptive events, including pipeline explosions and a prolonged political standoff between Fubara and Assembly members loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Amaewhule’s faction, comprising 27 lawmakers, has been at the center of the crisis, which recently escalated with violent threats and s on oil infrastructure. The Speaker’s endorsement of Tinubu’s action signals a willingness to work within the new framework to ilize the state.
As Rivers State navigates this unprecedented period, Amaewhule’s call for cooperation with Vice Admiral Ibas underscores a pivotal moment for its residents, who now look to the Sole Administrator to restore governance and peace.
Im not sure about this move. Is declaring an emergency the right solution for the issues in Rivers State? Lets discuss.
I cant believe Speaker Amaewhule is supporting Tinubus emergency declaration in Rivers State. What do you all think about this?
I dont know about this emergency declaration in Rivers State. Seems like a controversial move. What do you all think?
I dont know, guys. I feel like Speaker Amaewhules support for Tinubus emergency declaration in Rivers State is a bit controversial. What do you think?
Im not convinced about Amaewhule backing Tinubus emergency declaration. Seems fishy to me. What do you guys think?
Im not convinced. Amaewhule supporting Tinubus emergency declaration in Rivers? Suious timing or genuine concern? Lets discuss.
I cant believe Speaker Amaewhule is supporting Tinubus emergency declaration! What are your thoughts on this?
Wow, cant believe Speaker Amaewhule is supporting Tinubus emergency declaration in Rivers State. Do you think its a good move or not?