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Why NASS Will Back Tinubu’s Emergency Rule In Rivers

Published

1 day ago

Mar 19, 2025.

Rep. Ademorin Kuye says NASS Will Back Tinubu’s Emergency Rule In Rivers.
He insists lawmakers must defend democracy and prevent lawlessness in the state.
Tinubu suspended Rivers’ leaders over security concerns, pending NASS approval.

Rep. Ademorin Kuye (APC-Lagos) has explained why the National Assembly will support President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasizing the need to protect democracy.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Kuye, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets, made this known while addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to Kuye, safeguarding lives and property remains the government’s primary duty, and the legislature, being a key institution of democracy, must ensure its survival. He stressed that lawmakers would back the emergency declaration, regardless of party affiliations, to prevent a breakdown of law and order in Rivers State.

He recalled how the Ninth National Assembly intervened in the Edo State House of Assembly crisis to uphold democracy and assured that the current assembly would take a similar stance.

“Without sentiment, we are going to defend democracy. In a situation where there is a breakdown of law and order, no responsible government will keep quiet and allow anarchy to continue,” Kuye stated.

The lawmaker, who represents Somolu Federal Constituency of Lagos, noted that President Tinubu had previously attempted to mediate the political crisis in Rivers State. However, he said, the parties involved opted for legal action, and despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, tensions persisted. This, he added, led to the destruction of oil pipelines and other critical infrastructure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in a nationwide address on Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all House of Assembly members for six months. Invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Tinubu appointed Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas to oversee the state’s affairs.

NASS Will Back Tinubu’s Emergency Rule

Tinubu cited recent security reports revealing acts of vandalism by militants, particularly the destruction of oil pipelines, with the state government failing to address the situation. He assured that security agencies had been directed to restore order and protect vital installations.

While emergency rule requires a two-thirds majority approval from the Senate and House of Representatives, both chambers are yet to vote on the matter. (NAN)