By DAYO ADESULU
In a contentious political landscape, the National Publicity Secretary of the **All Progressives Congress (APC)**, Barr Felix Morka, has criticized suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for undermining democracy, following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state. This action comes amid escalating unrest and security concerns over the oil-rich region.
Morka: State of Emergency Declared in Rivers State
In a nationwide broadcast on ***March 18, 2025***, President Tinubu invoked **Section 305 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution**, declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. This decision resulted in the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State Assembly for an initial period of six months. The declaration aimed to address the political and security crises affecting the state.
Morka Defends Presidential Action Against Criticism
Despite facing backlash from various political quarters, including prominent figures like **Peter Obi**, Morka defended the President’s emergency ruling in an exclusive interview on **Eagle 102.5 FM**, labeling critics as politically biased. He expressed that Fubara’s actions had been harmful to democracy.
“Fubara was slapping democracy in the face with his actions,” Morka asserted. He highlighted Fubara’s attempts to remove the elected Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which led to a collapse of legislative functions within the state.
Morka: Justification for the Declaration
Morka explained that the President’s intervention was backed by intelligence reports indicating threats to critical oil infrastructure, notably following the vandalization of the **Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP)**. The state of emergency was ratified by a **two-thirds majority in the National Assembly**, reflecting bipartisan support for the necessity of the intervention.
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Morka dismissed claims from opposition leaders that the declaration represented executive overreach, clarifying that the President’s decision to suspend the governor was a temporary measure to stabilize governance.
Opposition and Legal Challenges
The declaration has drawn sharp criticism from the **People’s Democratic Party (PDP)** and leaders such as **Atiku Abubakar** and **Peter Obi**, who argue that constitutional procedures for removing a governor were overlooked. However, Morka contended that these criticisms arose only after the federal government took action, accusing opposition figures of neglecting the situation in Rivers State until it escalated.
The PDP has hinted at legal action to challenge the emergency declaration, but Morka believes such moves are politically motivated, particularly following Fubara’s prior neglect of legislative engagement.
Implications for Nigeria’s Oil Economy
The ongoing crisis in Rivers State has serious implications for Nigeria’s economy, given that the state is a key player in oil production. Morka criticized Fubara for inadequate responses to escalating security incidents, asserting that the President could not remain passive while critical assets were jeopardized.
Promising Economic Indicators
Despite the political unrest, Morka conveyed that the **Tinubu administration** remains committed to restoring stability and fostering economic growth. He pointed out that Nigeria’s GDP is reportedly growing by over **3.6%**, indicating a positive trajectory towards economic recovery, alongside a stabilization of the exchange rate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State continues to stir controversy, Morka reassured citizens that the ultimate goal is to restore peace and order. “The people of Rivers State deserve security, and their leaders must place their well-being above partisan interests,” he emphasized, highlighting the administration’s efforts to ensure a swift resolution to the crisis.
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