The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, has issued a statement on behalf of the Assembly members on March 18, 2025, addressing the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In the statement, the Speaker explained that the declaration was made in accordance with the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended. He attributed the current situation in Rivers State to the alleged misconduct of the Governor, who was accused of repeatedly disobeying court judgments and orders, failing to govern in line with his oath of office and the Constitution, and obstructing the functioning of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The Speaker described the Governor’s actions as despotic and tyrannical, which had been confirmed by the courts.
The Speaker assured constituents that the Assembly would abide by the declaration, even though it was not the outcome they had hoped for. He stated that the President had acted in the best interest of the country and urged the people of Rivers State to remain calm as the Sole Administrator appointed by the President assumed his duties. The Speaker pledged the Assembly’s full support to the Sole Administrator for the benefit of the state and the nation.
He expressed gratitude to the constituents for their continued support, prayers, and understanding, and called on them to extend the same support to the Sole Administrator to ensure the state’s stability during the emergency period.
The statement was signed by Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, DSSRS, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
