The house of representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for emergency rule in Rivers state.
The House of Representatives has given its stamp of approval to President Bola Tinubu’s request for a state of emergency in Rivers State. The approval was finalized through a voice vote during today’s Thursday 20th March, 2025 plenary session in the National Assembly’s Green Chamber.
The Speaker, after deliberations on the request put the question for the approval or otherwise of the president’s request for ratification of the emergency rule in rivers to a voice vote, with representatives responding with overwhelming approval.
On Tuesday, Tinubu announced a state of emergency in the south-south state of Rivers, citing an ongoing political crisis.
The president controversially suspended Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of the state, along with his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all house assembly members for a period of six months.
Tinubu has nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral and former chief of naval staff, to act as the administrator.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas was immediately sworn in as the sole administrator of Rivers State. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja, with President Bola Tinubu presiding over the event.
The ceremony was witnessed by key figures, including the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Principal Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
As the sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas will oversee the affairs of Rivers State until stability is restored.
His appointment comes amid a protracted political crisis in the state, which has been rocked by a bitter power struggle between the suspended Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike .
To activate the emergency rule, section 305 (2) of the constitution stipulates that the president must convey the proclamation to both the senate president and the speaker of the house of representatives.
Now that the house of representative has given the approval, Nigerian awaits the decision of the Senate.
This development comes after a tense session was anticipated in the National Assembly, with lawmakers expected to debate the president’s declaration .
The House’s decision to approve the emergency rule is seen as a significant move, as it effectively grants the president’s request to impose emergency rule in the state.
more details later…