The House of Representatives has voted in favor of the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
In a decision that has divided Nigerians and drawn significant criticism, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, following a prolonged political crisis in the state.
Just two days after the President’s declaration, the House of Representatives approved the move in a voice vote, endorsing the President’s decision after receiving a letter from him.
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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, presided over the plenary session, which saw 240 lawmakers present in Abuja on Thursday.
However, the House introduced some amendments to the proclamation, including the establishment of a committee of eminent Nigerians to mediate on the issue during the emergency period. Additionally, the House emphasized the constitutional provision allowing the National Assembly to make laws for a state if the state assembly is unable to carry out its duties, countering the President’s position that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) would take over this role.
The House of Representatives also noted that the state of emergency could be reviewed and potentially terminated before the end of the six-month period, depending on progress made towards restoring peace.
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On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the South-South state and appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the sole administrator to oversee the affairs of the state. He cited recent security reports, highlighting disturbing incidents of pipeline vandalism by militants, which occurred without any response from the governor.
The move has faced condemnation from opposition leaders and several prominent Nigerians, including legal experts, governors, Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai, among others. However, the Federal Government has defended the President’s actions.
