Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former governor of Sokoto State and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, has sharply criticized General Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that it fails to meet constitutional standards.
Tinubu’s move suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State Assembly for six months, appointing retired Naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator—a decision that has sparked widespread debate among Nigerians, politicians, and civil society groups.
In an interview with Sunday Sun in Abuja, Tambuwal, a member of the 10th Senate and a life Bencher, dissected the declaration’s legality, drawing on his legal expertise and parliamentary experience. “I’m speaking as a lawyer and a member of the Body of Benchers, not just as a senator,” he clarified, referencing his tenure as Speaker in 2013 when similar matters arose. “Section 305 of the Constitution is crystal clear. It outlines how a president can declare a state of emergency and the legislative steps required—specifically, a two-thirds majority of all members in both the Senate and House of Representatives.”
Tambuwal questioned the Senate’s process, doubting whether the required 72 or 73 senators—two-thirds of the chamber’s total membership—were present to approve the resolution. “From what I observed, that number wasn’t on the floor that day,” he said. “The Constitution demands two-thirds of all members support the resolution, not just those present and voting. If that threshold wasn’t met, this action falls short of constitutional requirements.”
He emphasized that the National Assembly must adhere to the Constitution, its own rules, and historical precedents. Tambuwal cited past examples, including emergency declarations under Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan in states like Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, where the two-thirds quorum was meticulously secured. “In 2013, under Jonathan, we ensured two-thirds support for emergencies in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe,” he recalled. “Why can’t the current National Assembly refer to its own records and precedents? It’s baffling.”
Tambuwal’s critique underscores a broader concern about legislative oversight, suggesting that the failure to follow established protocols reflects deeper systemic issues. His remarks add to the growing chorus of voices questioning the legality and implications of Tinubu’s unilateral move in Rivers State.
