The Nigerian House of Representatives has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, confirming their support through a majority voice vote. The decision follows the political unrest in the state, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s legislative assembly for six months.
The House, under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, convened with 240 lawmakers present in Abuja. They introduced amendments to the president’s proclamation.
Key Amendments and Decisions
- Formation of a committee of eminent Nigerians to mediate the crisis during the emergency.
- The Constitution empowers the National Assembly to legislate for a state if its own assembly cannot function, countering President Tinubu’s suggestion that the Federal Executive Council could undertake these responsibilities.
The House also noted that the state of emergency could be reassessed and possibly concluded ahead of the initial six-month duration, contingent on the restoration of peace. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed by Tinubu as the interim administrator of Rivers State amid concerns over security threats attributed to militant activities, deemed inadequately addressed by the state government.
The decision has sparked substantial debate and criticism from various political and legal figures across the nation.
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