President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked a significant response from the National Assembly, with lawmakers set to debate the move on Wednesday.
The House of Representatives spokesman, Akin Rotimi, clarified that the National Assembly was properly consulted before the president took action.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Rotimi said, “Mr. President’s formal letter, informing the House of Representatives of his decision and seeking approval in line with Section 305 of the Constitution, has been transmitted.”
He added that the matter would be presented and debated during Wednesday’s plenary session, where further legislative actions would be determined.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected lawmakers of the Rivers House of Assembly for six months.
He appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the sole administrator of the state, while judicial operations would continue as usual.
Rotimi emphasized that before the president’s declaration, leadership from the National Assembly had met with Tinubu and key security officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, to discuss the ongoing political unrest in Rivers.
The state had been embroiled in tension between the executive and legislative branches, prompting the emergency rule.
While the National Assembly’s consultation has been confirmed, the decision has drawn criticism.
The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum has called on the president to reverse the state of emergency, citing constitutional concerns. Opposition groups argue that the suspension of elected officials undermines democratic governance in the state.