In a controversial move that has sparked intense debate, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.
The decision follows a prolonged political crisis that has engulfed the state.
Two days after the declaration, the House of Representatives, in a voice vote, endorsed Tinubu’s action, lending legitimacy to the emergency measures.
Their backing followed a letter from the president detailing the reasons for his intervention.
Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas presided over Thursday’s plenary in Abuja, attended by 240 lawmakers.
However, the House introduced key amendments to the proclamation. It called for the establishment of a committee of eminent Nigerians to mediate during the period of emergency.
Additionally, the House emphasized that the National Assembly, not the Federal Executive Council (FEC), has the constitutional authority to make laws for a state if its assembly is unable to function.
Lawmakers also clarified that the emergency status could be reviewed and lifted at any point within the six months, depending on progress toward restoring peace.
The decision has deepened political tensions, with critics questioning its legality and long-term implications for democracy in Nigeria.
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