Members of the House of Representatives engaged in a heated exchange on Wednesday ahead of plenary as the green chamber prepared to deliberate on the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
The argument broke out even before the session commenced, reflecting the intensity of the debate surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s recent proclamation.
On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the prolonged political crisis in the South-South region. As part of the measure, he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly. In their place, the president appointed retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to oversee the administration of the state.
Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the House of Representatives, confirmed that Tinubu had consulted with the National Assembly before making the announcement. According to Rotimi, the president met with key legislative leaders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Senate Leader Michael Bamidele, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Top security officials, including Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS) Adeola Ajayi, and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Mohammed Mohammed, were also present at the high-level discussions.
Rotimi further disclosed that Tinubu’s official letter notifying the House of Representatives of the emergency declaration—submitted in accordance with Section 305 of the Constitution—has been transmitted to the green chamber. The letter is expected to be read during Wednesday’s plenary for further legislative action.
As the session gets underway, all eyes remain on the lawmakers as they deliberate on one of the most contentious political decisions in recent times.
