From Victor Osula, Abuja
The House of Representatives has ratified the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, paving the way for the suspension of the state’s executive and legislature.
The decision followed a formal request from the president seeking parliamentary approval for the emergency proclamation, which was announced in a nationwide address on Tuesday. In his declaration, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as the state’s sole administrator, effectively sidelining Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution,”the president stated.
Since the emergency rule announcement, the decision has sparked widespread criticism from legal experts, political analysts, and civil society groups.
The Nigerian Bar Association swiftly condemned the suspension of elected officials, describing it as unconstitutional. Veteran journalist Reuben Abati also weighed in, calling Tinubu’s decision an impeachable offense.
Critics have cited Section 305(6) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which stipulates that a state of emergency proclamation ceases to have effect unless approved by two-thirds majority of both chambers of the National Assembly within two days (if in session) or ten days (if not in session).
Despite the legal and political pushback, the House of Representatives moved swiftly on Thursday to endorse the president’s proclamation through a voice vote, solidifying the federal government’s control over Rivers State.
Attention now shifts to the Senate, whose decision will determine the full implementation of emergency rule in the oil-rich state.
