The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. As part of the emergency measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have been suspended for six months.
The decision came after a voice vote during plenary on Thursday, signaling the House’s approval of the president’s action. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas presided over the session and invited lawmakers to express their views on the matter.
During the debate, Benue lawmaker and Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, called for the establishment of a national mediation committee to resolve the ongoing conflict between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“We need to create a national mediation committee to restore peace between the governor and the assembly,” Agbese proposed. His recommendation was accepted by the House.
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Similarly, the Minority Whip of the House argued that the suspension of the governor and lawmakers should not be rigidly enforced for six months.
He suggested, “If peace is reached between the two parties, the emergency rule should be lifted before six months.”
The House also approved this proposal, allowing for a possible early resolution.
Earlier in the session, Speaker Abbas read President Tinubu’s letter, officially notifying the House of his decision to impose emergency rule in Rivers State. Before the letter was read aloud, lawmakers held a closed-door executive session for about ten minutes.
During the plenary, Abia lawmaker Obi Agwuncha attempted to challenge the debate by citing Section 305 (6b) of the Nigerian Constitution, which requires that at least two-thirds of House members must be present to approve a state of emergency. However, Speaker Abbas overruled his objection, allowing the discussion and eventual approval of the emergency measures.