The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, holding Governor Siminalayi Fubara responsible for the political turmoil that necessitated the intervention.

In a statement on Tuesday, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused Fubara of undermining democracy, stating, “When he brazenly demolished the Rivers State House of Assembly, Fubara destroyed the very foundation of democracy in the state.” He further alleged that Fubara’s governance without a legislature and unauthorized spending of state funds had rendered the state ungovernable.

Morka emphasized that governance requires the coexistence of the executive, legislative, and judicial arms, arguing, “There cannot be a governor without a legislature and the judiciary.” He referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling, stating, “As the Supreme Court confirmed, there was no government in the state and there had not been a government since Fubara destroyed the state legislature.”

The APC maintained that Tinubu’s intervention was necessary to restore order, adding, “By his reckless actions, Fubara asked for and set the stage for this outcome.” Morka reiterated that the emergency rule was a “necessary, constitutionally-backed measure to protect lives and property, and extend governance to the good people of Rivers State.”

The party commended Tinubu for taking decisive action to prevent a total breakdown of law and order, stressing that “the safety and well-being of the people is paramount at this time, and must trump all political considerations.”