ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has praised the National Assembly for what he described as its “patriotic approval” of the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, calling the decision a decisive step towards restoring security and economic stability in the oil-rich region.
In a statement issued Thursday, March 20, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President thanked both chambers of the legislature for endorsing the six-month emergency rule and the appointment of a sole administrator to govern the state.
The approval by lawmakers effectively dissolved the Rivers State Government, including the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the members of the State House of Assembly.
“A Lifeline to Safeguard Livelihoods”
“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 said in the statement.
Citing threats to federal economic assets, governance breakdown, and the potential for widespread violence, Tinubu defended the emergency measure as necessary.
“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.
National Interest Over Politics
President Tinubu commended lawmakers for rising above political divisions to endorse the measure.
“Today’s decision exemplifies what our nation can achieve when unity of purpose and patriotism guide the action of leaders,” he stated, adding that the National Assembly’s action reflects the kind of national resolve required to address complex challenges.
Commitment to Stability and Reform
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with the legislature to strengthen national security, economic recovery, and democratic governance.
His remarks come amid mounting domestic and international scrutiny of the Rivers State intervention.
Critics have questioned the constitutionality of the suspension of elected officials, and legal challenges, including one filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), are now before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Still, the federal government maintains that the emergency rule is a temporary measure aimed at restoring order and preserving Nigeria’s vital economic interests.
