The Rivers State Government has expressed surprise and disappointment over President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in the state.

According to Warisenibo Johnson, the state’s commissioner for information, the government was caught off guard by the president’s decision, as the state was being properly governed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.

Johnson emphasized that despite political disagreements, the state government had continued to function effectively, paying salaries and executing projects to move the state forward.

He also highlighted that Rivers State is safe, secure, and peaceful under their watch.

The president’s decision to suspend Governor Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers for six months, and appoint Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s administrator, has raised concerns among many Nigerians.

President Tinubu cited the political impasse in the state, a recent Supreme Court judgment, and the destruction of oil pipelines by militants as reasons for his action.

However, Johnson questioned the president’s decision to suspend Governor Fubara while leaving his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital, untouched.

Johnson claimed that Governor Fubara had tried to implement the Supreme Court judgment and other agreements reached on the political crises, but his efforts were frustrated by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Wike.