Just in: River’s emergency rule: House of Reps backs Tinubu

The House of Representatives has officially approved the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, along with a six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state assembly, following a proclamation by President Bola Tinubu.

The endorsement of the president’s proclamation was given via a voice vote during the House plenary on Thursday.

Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the session, called on members to contribute to the discussion regarding the general principles of the president’s report.

During the deliberations, Deputy Spokesman of the House and Benue lawmaker, Philip Agbese, proposed the establishment of a national mediation committee to facilitate peace talks between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The House subsequently approved this recommendation, emphasizing the need for conflict resolution mechanisms to de-escalate the political crisis in the state.

Additionally, the Minority Whip of the House suggested that the six-month suspension imposed on the Rivers Governor and the State Legislature should not be rigidly enforced.

He recommended that if both parties reach a peaceful resolution before the stipulated period, the emergency rule should be lifted. This motion was also granted by the House, leaving room for an earlier resolution to the crisis.

Before the formal announcement of the president’s letter, the House dissolved into an executive session that lasted approximately 10 minutes.

During this closed-door meeting, members discussed the legal and political implications of the state of emergency and the proposed suspensions.

Upon returning to plenary, Speaker Abbas read the president’s letter, formally notifying the House of the state of emergency declaration.

However, an attempt by Abia lawmaker Obi Agwuncha to challenge the debate on the grounds of constitutional provisions was overruled.

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Agwuncha cited Section 305 (6b) of the Constitution, which mandates that two-thirds of House members must be present for such a decision. Despite his objection, the Speaker ruled in favor of proceeding with the debate and subsequent approval of the emergency declaration.

The approval of the emergency rule signals a significant political development in Rivers State, as the federal government intervenes in what has been an escalating political standoff.

The mediation efforts approved by the House could play a critical role in determining whether the suspension remains in place for the full six-month period or is lifted earlier upon reconciliation between the warring factions.

As the situation unfolds, further details and government actions will provide clarity on the way forward for Rivers State’s governance and political stability.