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Reps Shuns Discussion on President Tinubu’s State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers State

Published

1 month ago

Mar 19, 2025.

Reps Shuns Discussion on President Tinubu's State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers State

Despite assurances from House of Reps spokesperson Akin Rotimi that the matter would be debated, fewer than 120 lawmakers were present in the 360-member chamber.
Sources indicate that the discussion has been postponed to Thursday’s session, when more members are expected to attend.
The House’s focus on Wednesday shifted to investigating the Federal Government’s Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, while the state of emergency declaration awaits further deliberations.

Contrary to earlier assurances, the House of Representatives did not address President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration in Rivers State during Wednesday’s plenary session.

Eko Hot Blog gathered that House spokesperson Akin Rotimi had previously stated that the matter would be deliberated upon, following Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on Tuesday announcing the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers.

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Rotimi had confirmed that the National Assembly had been formally notified of the decision, and some National Assembly members, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, emphasized the constitutional requirement for the legislature’s approval of the state of emergency.

As of March 19, Tinubu officially requested approval from the House of Representatives in a letter.

“The National Assembly was duly consulted by the President. Mr President’s formal letter, informing the House of Representatives of his decision and seeking approval in line with Section 305 of the Constitution, has been transmitted and will be read during plenary tomorrow, Wednesday, March 19, 2025,” Rotimi had said.

Reps Shuns Discussion on President Tinubu's State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers State

Despite assurances from House spokesperson Akin Rotimi that the matter would be debated, fewer than 120 lawmakers were present in the 360-member chamber.

Sources indicate that the discussion has been postponed to Thursday’s session, when more members are expected to attend.

The House’s focus on Wednesday shifted to investigating the Federal Government’s Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, while the state of emergency declaration awaits further deliberations.

President Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers has stirred controversy and concerns regarding the constitutionality of the move and its implications for democracy in Rivers State.