The All Progressives Congress (APC) has vehemently defended President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, placing the blame squarely on Governor Siminalayi Fubara for precipitating the political crisis that necessitated the intervention. The APC contends that Fubara’s actions, including the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly and governance without legislative oversight, effectively dismantled the democratic structure of the state, rendering it ungovernable and justifying the president’s decision.
The APC’s argument hinges on the fundamental principle of separation of powers, a cornerstone of democratic governance. According to the party, Fubara’s demolition of the State House of Assembly, the legislative arm of government, crippled the state’s ability to function constitutionally. This act, coupled with his subsequent governance without a legislature, effectively nullified the checks and balances essential for a functioning democracy. Furthermore, the APC emphasizes that Fubara’s expenditure of state funds without valid legislative appropriation violated established constitutional procedures, further exacerbating the crisis.
The APC asserts that the absence of a functioning legislature created a constitutional void, leaving Rivers State without a legitimate government. They argue that the three branches of government – executive, legislative, and judicial – must coexist to ensure constitutional governance. By dismantling the legislative branch, Fubara, in the APC’s view, single-handedly disrupted this delicate balance, effectively dissolving the government as recognized by the Nigerian Constitution. They cite the Supreme Court’s confirmation of the absence of a legitimate government in the state as further validation of their position.
The party maintains that President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency was not an arbitrary exercise of power but a necessary and constitutionally mandated response to the prevailing crisis. The APC portrays Tinubu’s intervention as a measure designed to restore order, protect lives and property, and reinstate legitimate governance in Rivers State. They argue that Fubara’s actions created a dangerous vacuum, threatening the safety and well-being of the people, necessitating the president’s intervention to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order.
The APC’s defense of the president’s action underscores their belief that Tinubu acted decisively and courageously to avert a potential descent into chaos. They depict Tinubu as a leader who prioritized the safety and well-being of the people of Rivers State above political considerations. In their view, the declaration of the state of emergency was a necessary step to safeguard the state from further deterioration and to re-establish a functional government. They contend that the president’s action was driven by the urgent need to restore stability and protect the citizens of Rivers State from the consequences of the governor’s actions.
In summary, the APC’s defense of President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State rests on their assertion that Governor Fubara’s actions created a constitutional crisis, effectively dismantling the state’s government and jeopardizing the safety and well-being of its citizens. They portray Fubara’s demolition of the State House of Assembly and subsequent governance without a legislature as a flagrant disregard for democratic principles and a direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution. The APC insists that President Tinubu’s intervention was not only justified but necessary to restore constitutional order, protect the people of Rivers State, and prevent a total collapse of law and order. They applaud the president for his decisive leadership in addressing the crisis and safeguarding the interests of the state and its citizens.
