The King of Emohua Kingdom, Sergeant Awuse, has expressed support for the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. The traditional ruler made his position known during a courtesy visit by the Sole Administrator of Emohua Local Government, Franklin Ajunwo.
King Awuse stated that the emergency rule was a necessary step to restore lasting peace to the state’s political landscape.
During the visit, Franklin Ajunwo appealed to the monarch to encourage his subjects and other traditional leaders in the area to embrace peace. He stressed that without peace, meaningful development in Emohua Local Government Area would be impossible.
However, the monarch’s position has drawn criticism from some quarters. A Port Harcourt-based entrepreneur, Ernest Elochukwu, faulted the king’s support, stating that the emergency rule has crippled the state’s economy. According to him, many businesses are struggling, and the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) — not federal allocations — is what sustains its economy.
Elochukwu called on President Tinubu to reverse the decision, warning that the longer the emergency rule continues, the worse the impact on businesses and livelihoods.
Similarly, Niger Delta activist Annkio Briggs has joined in voicing concern. In a televised interview, she said many Rivers people are unhappy with the situation and urged that the emergency rule not extend beyond the six months initially proposed by the President.
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