House of Reps Approves State of Emergency in Rivers
The House of Representatives has voted to support President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a decision that has sparked widespread criticism and divided public opinion.
The move comes after Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months amid an escalating political crisis in the state.
During a plenary session on Thursday, March 20, 2025, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the House approved the president’s decision through a voice vote.
The session, attended by 240 lawmakers, followed a formal letter from Tinubu seeking legislative backing for the emergency declaration.
However, the House introduced amendments to the proclamation, including the establishment of a committee of eminent Nigerians to mediate and resolve the crisis during the emergency period.
The lawmakers also emphasized the constitutional provision that empowers the National Assembly to make laws for a state if its assembly is unable to function, rejecting Tinubu’s proposal for the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to assume this role.
Additionally, the House stated that the state of emergency could be reviewed and terminated within the initial six-month period, depending on progress toward restoring peace in the state.
Tinubu had declared the state of emergency on Tuesday, March 18, citing recent security reports of pipeline vandalism by militants and the governor’s alleged inaction.
He appointed Vice Admiral Ibot-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period.
The president’s decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, legal experts, and prominent figures, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai.
Despite the backlash, the Federal Government has defended Tinubu’s actions, insisting they are necessary to restore stability in Rivers State.
About The Author
