The spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi, clarified that the National Assembly was properly consulted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu before his decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. The declaration, which followed growing political tension and unrest in the state, has sparked widespread controversy and legal challenges from opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who argue that the move undermines the democratic process.
Rotimi’s statement was a response to public inquiries regarding whether the National Assembly had been involved in the decision-making process that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The spokesperson explained that high-ranking officials from both chambers of the National Assembly had met with President Tinubu and other key security figures before the announcement.
According to Rotimi, the meeting included significant figures such as the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Bamidele, and the House Leader, Rep. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere. Additionally, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and top security officials, including the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Adeola Ajayi, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed, were present at the meeting.
Rotimi highlighted that during this meeting, President Tinubu fully briefed the leadership of the National Assembly and key security officials about the intentions behind his decision. The spokesperson assured that all parties present at the meeting expressed unanimous support for the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, signaling a collective agreement on the necessity of the action in the face of ongoing political turmoil and security concerns.
Rotimi’s confirmation of the National Assembly’s support is significant, as it counters claims from opposition parties who have criticized the move as unconstitutional and a potential power grab. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Tinubu of undermining the democratic process by suspending a democratically elected governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and appointing an unelected official, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), to govern the state.
Further clarifying the constitutional process, Rotimi explained that in line with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the President’s formal letter informing the House of Representatives of his decision had already been transmitted. This letter is expected to be read out during the plenary session on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. The House of Representatives will then debate the matter and decide on the next course of action.
Under the Nigerian Constitution, the declaration of a state of emergency requires the approval of the National Assembly. Section 305(2) stipulates that the President must formally inform both the Senate and the House of Representatives and submit a detailed report on the reasons for the emergency rule. Once the report is received, both houses must approve the declaration for it to remain in effect. This process is designed to ensure that such a significant decision is not taken unilaterally by the executive and that the legislature has a say in matters that could impact the nation’s democracy.
Rotimi’s statement confirms that the procedural requirements outlined in the Constitution are being followed and that the National Assembly will consider the President’s request for approval during the upcoming plenary session. The House of Representatives is expected to debate the matter thoroughly and make a decision that will determine whether the state of emergency will be formally ratified.
The political crisis in Rivers State, which led to the President’s emergency declaration, has been brewing for several months. Tensions between the state’s executive branch, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the legislature have escalated, resulting in political deadlock and violent protests in parts of the state. In recent weeks, there have been reports of pipeline vandalization, which President Tinubu cited as part of the reasons for the state of emergency.
Governor Fubara, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has faced repeated attempts by members of the state legislature to impeach him. The ongoing political impasse has raised concerns about the stability of the state and its ability to maintain law and order. The declaration of a state of emergency by President Tinubu aims to restore peace and order, but it has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who argue that it is an unconstitutional move to remove a democratically elected governor and replace him with an unelected official.
Opposition parties, particularly the PDP, have vehemently opposed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers. They argue that the move represents an overreach by the federal government and an attempt to undermine the will of the people of Rivers State. The PDP has pointed out that under Nigeria’s Constitution, the President does not have the authority to remove a sitting governor or suspend elected officials without due process. The party has described the President’s action as a “dangerous precedent” that could be used to destabilize other state governments in the future.
Despite these criticisms, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi, maintained that the President had followed the constitutional process by consulting with the leadership of the National Assembly and informing them of his intentions. The National Assembly will now play a key role in determining whether the state of emergency is legally and constitutionally valid.
As the National Assembly prepares to consider the President’s declaration, attention will turn to the debate in the House of Representatives. The outcome of the debate will determine whether the state of emergency in Rivers State will be ratified or if the National Assembly will reject it.
For now, the state of emergency remains in place, with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) appointed as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state’s legislature have been suspended, but their status will ultimately depend on the decision of the National Assembly.
The unfolding situation in Rivers State is likely to have far-reaching implications for the state’s political landscape and for Nigeria’s broader democratic processes. The National Assembly’s decision will be crucial in determining whether the President’s emergency rule will be allowed to stand or if constitutional principles will prevail.
