Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, has thrown his support behind President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a necessary step to prevent an imminent crisis and bloodshed.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Nwuche stated that the prolonged political turmoil in the oil-rich state had crippled governance, discouraged investors, and created uncertainty. He urged the National Assembly to swiftly ratify the emergency rule in the interest of peace and stability.

“The President’s action has prevented Rivers from descending into lawlessness. The crisis had dragged on for over a year, pushing the state towards anarchy. Businesses were shutting down, and uncertainty clouded governance. The declaration has restored order,” Nwuche said.

He further noted that criminal elements had begun targeting vital oil installations, warning that such acts of sabotage posed a serious threat to national security.

“A situation where criminals resort to blowing up pipelines is a dangerous trend. Threats of sabotage and attacks on critical national assets cannot be condoned,” he added.

Nwuche urged political actors in the state to use the period of emergency rule to resolve their differences peacefully, emphasizing that democracy should align with Nigeria’s unique realities rather than being blindly copied from other nations.

“I call on the National Assembly to approve the emergency rule without delay so governance can return to normal in Rivers State. Political leaders should use this window to settle disputes within the ambit of the law and put the interest of the state first,” he said.

He also dismissed ethnic sentiments being stoked by external influences, insisting that Rivers people had always coexisted peacefully.

“Elections in Rivers were not won on ethnic lines. My people, the Ekpeye, alongside the Ikwerre, Ogoni, Kalabari, Igbani, and Etche, voted together. This crisis is being fueled by external forces for selfish gains,” Nwuche stated.

He called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with the newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.), to ensure peace and development in the state.

“The President’s decision was in the best interest of Rivers people. I urge all residents to support the new leadership and allow stability to return to the state,” he added.