President Bola Tinubu has praised the National Assembly for its “patriotic approval” of the emergency rule in Rivers State, which will see the dissolution of the state government and the appointment of a sole administrator for six months.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu lauded the lawmakers for prioritizing the security and welfare of Rivers State over partisan considerations. He commended their decision, recognizing it as a significant step in addressing the state’s escalating crisis.
“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 statement quoted Tinubu as saying.
He further explained that the situation in Rivers, marked by the near-collapse of governance and threats to federal economic assets, left no room for delay in taking action. Tinubu emphasized that the emergency measure was necessary to secure livelihoods, protect critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability to the state.
“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,” he added.
The president concluded by reaffirming his commitment to working with the National Assembly to pursue a safer Nigeria, with the unity of purpose and patriotism guiding the country’s leaders in times of national challenge.
