The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reassured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will lift the state of emergency in Rivers State once stability is fully restored. In an interview with Nation, Idris emphasized the President’s dedication to reinstating democratic governance in the state at the earliest possible opportunity.
“As soon as he assesses that sanity has returned to Rivers State, he will ensure the restoration of all democratic structures in that state,” Idris stated, underscoring Tinubu’s resolve to normalize governance.
The Minister clarified that Tinubu has no intention of assuming control over Rivers State’s government or appointing a governor, dismissing any speculation to the contrary. “The President has no intention whatsoever to take over the governance of Rivers State. He has no intention to be or to appoint a governor for Rivers State,” Idris affirmed.
Defending the President’s decision to impose emergency measures, Idris described it as “a very responsible but very painful” action taken in accordance with constitutional provisions. He explained that governance in Rivers State had deteriorated significantly, with a dysfunctional House of Assembly and an executive arm facing severe difficulties.
“The way democracy is designed in this country is that the three arms of government must work together, and one will be checking the other. So, we cannot have just the executive functioning and say we have a functional democracy. We didn’t have that, and therefore, the President had to act,” Idris explained.
According to the minister, Tinubu’s intervention was necessary to prevent the state from spiraling into further disorder. He highlighted that the Nigerian Constitution provides for such actions in situations where governance structures are failing.
“Those who designed our constitution envisaged that this kind of situation could arise, and that was why they made the provision for it. The President relied on the constitution to execute his powers and take action,” Idris stated, reinforcing the legality of the decision.
Despite the current measures in place, the Minister assured that the emergency rule would not be prolonged beyond necessity. Tinubu, he stressed, is committed to ensuring that full democratic governance is reinstated as soon as feasible.
“The President will not wait a minute longer than necessary,” Idris assured, emphasizing the temporary nature of the emergency and the government’s commitment to swiftly restoring normalcy in Rivers State.
