President Bola Tinubu has formally written to the House of Representatives, seeking legislative approval for the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The request, made in accordance with Section 305 of the Constitution, follows heightened security concerns and political instability in the oil-rich state.
Spokesman for the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, confirmed the development while responding to media inquiries on Tuesday.
This was retrieved from a news flash shared on X on Tuesday night by the Nigeria Television Authority.
He stated that Tinubu consulted the National Assembly leadership before reaching the decision.
“The leadership of the National Assembly met with Mr. President and the National Security Adviser ahead of the broadcast.
“Key security chiefs were also present and were fully briefed on the situation. All parties unanimously expressed their support,” Rotimi disclosed.
The President’s formal letter to the House of Representatives, informing lawmakers of his decision and requesting their approval, has now been transmitted.
According to Rotimi, the letter will be “read on the floor of the House during plenary on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
“Further legislative action will be debated and decided on the floor.”
Tinubu earlier announced this measure in response to escalating incidents of pipeline vandalism by militants, which had not been adequately addressed by the state government.
This declaration led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers.
A retired vice admiral, Ibokette Ibas has been appointed as the state’s administrator for an initial six-month period.
The state of emergency grants the Federal Government authority to manage the state’s affairs and deploy security forces as necessary.
However, this move has been met with criticism from some quarters.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described it as “political manipulation,” suggesting that the decision might be driven by ulterior motives beyond addressing security concerns.
Legal experts have also questioned the constitutionality of suspending elected officials without due process, labelling such actions as unconstitutional.
The political climate in Rivers State has been tense, with internal conflicts within the People’s Democratic Party leading to threats of impeachment against Fubara.
The PDP has condemned these impeachment attempts, viewing them as destabilising efforts against the state’s leadership.
Additionally, the state legislature has served Fubara with a notice of misconduct, further intensifying the political tension.
Also, Chief Bode George perceived the declaration of a state of emergency as an overreach of executive power and a potential threat to democratic principles, prompting his strong criticism of Tinubu’s actions
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