The House of Representatives has given its approval for General Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
This decision was made via a voice vote during a plenary session that lasted for approximately 23 minutes. Following the approval, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas adjourned the plenary until March 24.
The approval comes despite concerns raised about the constitutional requirements for such a declaration. Section 305(2) of the Nigerian Constitution mandates that a state of emergency must be approved by at least two-thirds of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. However, the House proceeded with the vote without explicitly meeting this threshold, sparking debate about the legitimacy of the process.
General Tinubu’s request included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. The emergency rule also involves the appointment of a sole administrator to manage the state’s affairs during this period.
The Senate also approved the emergency rule in a separate session, aligning with the House’s decision to support General Tinubu’s proclamation. The National Assembly’s approval has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the move as necessary for restoring order in Rivers State, while others criticize it as a threat to democratic governance
