BREAKING: House of Reps Approves Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers, Suspends Governor Fubara, Others
Abuja – The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which includes the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly.
The decision was reached through a voice vote during plenary on Thursday, following the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas’ call for members to contribute to the discussion on the general principles of the President’s report.
During deliberations, Benue lawmaker and Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, proposed the establishment of a national mediation committee to facilitate reconciliation between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly. The House subsequently approved the recommendation.
Additionally, the Minority Whip of the House suggested that the six-month suspension of the Rivers State Governor and legislature should not be absolute. “If peace is reached between both parties, the emergency rule should be lifted before the six-month period elapses,” he stated. The House also approved this resolution.
Earlier in the session, Speaker Abbas read a letter from President Tinubu formally notifying the House of the emergency declaration. The plenary briefly dissolved into an executive session lasting about 10 minutes before resuming discussions.
An attempt by Abia lawmaker Obi Agwuncha to halt the debate on the President’s letter, citing Section 305 (6b) of the Constitution—which requires a two-thirds majority of House members in plenary—was overruled by the Speaker.
This development has sparked intense debate across political circles, with opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, urging the National Assembly to reject the emergency rule in Rivers State.
