The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has expressed full support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, highlighting its necessity in addressing the state’s political crisis. In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations on Tuesday, Matawalle emphasized that this intervention is crucial for restoring stability and ensuring effective governance in Rivers State.
Matawalle pointed to the political crisis, which has severely hindered the delivery of democratic governance and impacted the welfare of the people of Rivers. He specifically cited the demolition of the State House of Assembly by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, leaving the state without a functioning legislature for over 14 months, as a key contributor to the ongoing political impasse.
The minister also referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling that reaffirmed the constitutional requirement for a functioning legislature and condemned the actions of the governor as unconstitutional. Matawalle expressed concern over rising security threats, including militant activities and vandalism, further underlining the necessity of federal intervention.
In his statement, Matawalle reassured Nigerians that the Federal Government is committed to safeguarding citizens’ safety and protecting vital infrastructure in Rivers State. He also confirmed that the Nigerian military is on high alert to secure government facilities and respond decisively to any efforts to disrupt public order.
Matawalle urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the state of emergency as an opportunity for renewed governance, hoping that it would lead to a peaceful and democratic resolution of the issues facing Rivers State, ultimately benefiting its residents.