Amid mounting criticism over President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, has justified the decision, accusing the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of undermining democracy.
Speaking during an interview on Eagle 102.5 FM’s Frontline programme on Tuesday, Morka lashed out at opposition figures, particularly the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for allegedly remaining silent while Fubara “trampled on democracy.”
Following months of political turmoil in Rivers State, President Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich South-South state.
Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, he also suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
While the move has sparked legal and political debates, Morka insisted that the president acted in the best interest of the nation.
“Everyone speaking against the president’s decision is doing so from a place of political bias. If they were objective, they would have condemned Fubara’s actions long before the president’s intervention,” he stated.
According to Morka, Fubara initiated an unconstitutional power struggle in the state by attempting to remove the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule. When this failed, he allegedly orchestrated the demolition of the Assembly complex, effectively crippling legislative activities.
“Fubara was slapping democracy in the face. He froze the flow of funds to the Assembly and ruled the state as though it were his personal empire.
Peter Obi and other opposition leaders kept quiet while he sought to abolish the state legislature,” Morka added.
Defending the emergency declaration, Morka argued that President Tinubu’s action was backed by intelligence reports indicating heightened security risks, including threats to critical oil infrastructure.
He referenced the reported vandalism of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), Nigeria’s largest crude oil pipeline, as a key factor in the federal government’s intervention.
“The president could not sit back while Rivers State, a critical economic hub, descended into lawlessness.
“ The security reports were alarming, and decisive action was needed,” he said.
Morka further emphasized that the National Assembly, comprising members from various political parties, ratified the emergency rule by a two-thirds majority, demonstrating broad political consensus on the issue.
“The National Assembly is not just an APC-controlled body; it represents all parties. Their approval of the emergency rule confirms the gravity of the situation in Rivers State,” he noted.
One of the most contentious aspects of Tinubu’s directive is the suspension of Governor Fubara. Critics, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), argue that Section 188 of the Constitution outlines a clear process for a governor’s removal, which was bypassed in this case.
However, Morka countered that Fubara was not removed but suspended as an extraordinary measure to stabilize the state.
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