Sopuruchi Onwuka

Despite rising condemnation of the declaration of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, the House of Representatives on Thursday endorsed the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state assembly for six months.

Ad >>>

Speaker of the crucial lower legislative chamber, Tajudeen Abbas, gave the approval after a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary session.

The approval of the president’s action came as indignation to calls by opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi on the National Assembly to reject President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

During deliberations, Deputy House Spokesman Philip Agbese proposed the establishment of a national mediation committee to resolve the political crisis between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly — a motion that was adopted by the House.

Minority Whip Ali Isa also suggested that the suspension and emergency rule should be subject to review if peace is achieved earlier than expected.

The House agreed that the emergency rule could be lifted before the end of six months if both parties reach a resolution.

Earlier, Speaker Abbas read a letter from President Tinubu formally notifying the House of the emergency declaration.

Before the letter was presented, lawmakers held a closed-door executive session lasting about 10 minutes.

An attempt by Abia lawmaker Obi Agwuncha to halt the debate — citing Section 305 (6b) of the Constitution, which requires a two-thirds majority for such approval — was overruled by the Speaker.

Meanwhile, Atiku had during speaking at a press conference at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja accused President Tinubu of abusing Section 305 of the Constitution and pursuing partisan interests under the guise of restoring order in the state.

“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately withdraw this unconstitutional proclamation and reinstate the duly elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” Atiku said.

He further called on lawmakers to oppose the move when it comes before the National Assembly for approval, warning that endorsing it would amount to legitimizing a power grab.

“The National Assembly must choose to stand on the right side of history and resist being used to validate this unconstitutional action,” he added.

Rivers State has faced prolonged political tension following a power tussle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.