Reps Approve Tinubu’s Rivers Emergency Rule with Key Amendments

The House of Representatives has given its approval to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State, with two hundred forty three (243) members voting in favor of the motion. However, the House also made some significant amendments to the original motion.

During the debate, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Phillip Agbese, called for the establishment of a National Peace and reconciliatory committee to mediate among the parties involved in political crisis in Rivers State.

The House also approved a motion to take over the legislative activities of the Rivers State House of Assembly, in line with Section 11, Subsection 4 of the constitution. This motion was moved by Ben Etanabene, a member from Delta State.

Futhermore, the House urged President Bola Tinubu to review the Status of the State of Emergency within the initial six month period. This amendment was moved by the Deputy Spokesperson.

The Green Chamber earlier Thursday received a Letter on the declaration of State of Emergency from President Bola Tinubu and was read in the floor of the House by the Speaker House of Representatives Dr Tajudeen Abbas for the members to debate.

The approval comes after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday night, citing a breakdown of law and order due to the ongoing political crisis. The declaration suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

President Tinubu also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State for the same period ¹. Nigerians have expressed mixed opinions on the declaration, with some viewing it as constitutional and others describing it as unconstitutional.