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'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the National Assembly for swiftly approving President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the decision as a patriotic move to restore peace and constitutional order.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC lauded the 10th Assembly for prioritizing national interest over partisanship, particularly praising opposition lawmakers who backed the emergency rule.
“The 10th Assembly demonstrated patriotism by putting the interest of peace and security of the people of Rivers State first and uniting in the national interest,” the statement read.
The APC stressed that the emergency proclamation was necessary to protect lives, maintain law and order, and prevent the worsening of the crisis in Rivers, which had led to heightened political tension and security threats. The party reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that all three arms of government—executive, legislature, and judiciary—function effectively in the state.
Atiku, Obi under fire
The ruling party also took a swipe at opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing them of exploiting the Rivers crisis for political gain.
“These opposition figures stood idly by and did nothing to help defuse the crisis that had become a clear and present threat to peace, safety of lives, and national assets in Rivers State,” the statement claimed.
The APC dismissed statements issued by Atiku, Obi, and others as “lengthy, convoluted, and utterly meaningless,” alleging that their only motive was to appear in news headlines and stoke further tension in the country.
The APC’s statement comes amid growing concerns from opposition leaders, who have criticized the emergency proclamation as an overreach of executive power. Atiku and Obi had earlier condemned the move, warning that it undermines Nigeria’s federal structure and could be a prelude to further political suppression.
Despite opposition pushback, the APC urged Nigerians, particularly Rivers residents, to support President Tinubu’s efforts to restore peace and good governance in the state.
The emergency rule in Rivers is expected to reshape the state’s political and administrative landscape in the coming months, with stakeholders closely watching how the federal government implements its intervention.
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