The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, along with the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly.
The approval was given through a voice vote during plenary on Thursday, following the presentation of the president’s proclamation.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the session, invited lawmakers to contribute to the debate on the general principles of the president’s report.
During the deliberations, 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 approved the suggestion.
Additionally, the Minority Whip of the House urged that the six-month suspension of the governor and the legislature should not be rigidly enforced.
“If peace is reached between the two parties, the emergency rule should be lifted before six months,” he said. The House granted this recommendation as well.
Earlier in the session, Speaker Abbas read a letter from the president formally notifying the House of the emergency declaration.
Before the letter was presented, the House held an executive session lasting approximately 10 minutes.
An attempt by Abia lawmaker Obi Agwuncha to halt the debate on the president’s letter was overruled by the Speaker. Agwuncha had cited Section 305 (6b) of the Constitution, which requires two-thirds of House members to be present in plenary before such a resolution can be considered. However, his objection was dismissed, and the discussion proceeded.
