The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, alongside a six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state assembly.
During Thursday’s plenary, lawmakers endorsed the president’s proclamation through a voice vote.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the session, invited members to contribute to the debate on the general principles of the emergency declaration.
Benue lawmaker and Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, proposed the establishment of a national mediation committee to facilitate dialogue between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The House adopted his recommendation.
Minority Whip of the House also suggested that the six-month suspension should not be absolute.
“If peace is reached between the two parties, the emergency rule should be lifted before six months,” he said. The House approved this proposal.
Earlier in the session, Speaker Abbas read President Tinubu’s letter notifying the House of the emergency declaration. Before its presentation, lawmakers held a closed-door meeting lasting approximately 10 minutes.
An attempt by Abia lawmaker Obi Agwuncha to halt discussions on the matter was overruled by the Speaker. Agwuncha had cited Section 305 (6b) of the Constitution, which requires a two-thirds majority of members in plenary before debating an emergency declaration.
With the House’s approval, the emergency measures will take effect, pending further political resolutions in the state.
More to come…
